28602 (2025). Hon Jenny Salesa to the Minister of Customs

28602 (2025). Hon Jenny Salesa to the Minister of Customs: How many times, if at all, has Customs applied for or executed restraining orders on assets since 2022, and what was the total value?

Hon Casey Costello: I am advised that the New Zealand Customs Service has not applied for any restraining orders on instruments of crime under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 for the period 1 January 2022 to 4 June 2025, as this is not the responsibility of Customs. The Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 allows for the Commissioner of Police to apply for restraining orders of proceeds of crime. Customs itself is not enabled by legislation to apply for restraining orders of criminal proceeds under the Act but works closely with the New Zealand Police to ensure that criminal proceeds are recovered. Customs as a ‘prosecutor’ can apply for restraining orders on instruments of crime (i.e. items used to commit a crime such as a yacht used to smuggle drugs into the country) but Customs has not done so since 2022.