New Zealand and Australian authorities have carried out coordinated search warrants across Auckland, Christchurch and Melbourne as part of a joint investigation into suspected breaches of sanctions imposed on Russia, with a Christchurch residential property also placed under restraint.
According to a report by 1News, the trans-Tasman investigation began in December 2025 after a referral from New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Authorities are investigating three companies suspected of illegally exporting prohibited assets in violation of the Russia Sanctions Act 2022.
New Zealand introduced sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. Under the legislation, New Zealand individuals and businesses are prohibited from exporting specified goods or dealing with assets linked to sanctioned Russian individuals or entities. The measures form part of a wider international effort to economically isolate Russia and restrict its ability to finance the war, as reported by 1News.
Search warrants were executed in Auckland and Christchurch on June 22, followed by additional searches in Christchurch last Friday. At the same time, the Australian Border Force and the Australian Federal Police carried out coordinated raids in Melbourne.
As part of the investigation, New Zealand Police also secured a restraining order over a residential property in Christchurch under the Criminal Proceeds Recovery Act 2009, 1News has reported.
Detective Inspector Christiaan Barnard of the New Zealand Police Financial Crime Group said businesses must ensure they comply with the country's sanctions regime.
"All New Zealand companies must understand their obligations, assess potential exposure to sanctioned activities, and implement robust due diligence processes to ensure they do not unlawfully export or deal in prohibited assets," he said, as quoted by 1News.
Australian Border Force Inspector Jessica Frezza said the operation highlighted the strong collaboration between law enforcement agencies in both countries.
"Through these close strategic partnerships, the ABF continues to target and investigate potential criminal activity, ensuring our community's interests are protected, and our global commitments on sanctioned goods are upheld," 1News has quoted.
No charges have been laid at this stage. Authorities also noted that suppression orders remain in place in relation to an earlier court proceeding that has since been withdrawn.
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