All of these defendants contributed to his organised criminal group and helped it succeed until the police intervened in April 2019.. If you wish to use any copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond fair use, you must obtain expressed permission from the copyright owner. New Zealand 'A changed man': Comanchero vice-president Tyson Daniels released from prison after money laundering $2.6 million worth of luxury cars By Jared Savage 27 Aug, 2022 11:40 AM 4 mins. The deal never went ahead. The haul was worth about $20m. Around the same time, a consignment of a kitchen stovetops shipped from the United States had been seized by Customs and examined. Photo: Jason Oxenham / NZH, This gold-plated motorcycle was among the assets seized in Operation Nova. I've told you so many times, don't send me messages," the text read. The president of the NZ chapter of the Comancheros, Pasilika Naufahu, started his trial standing alongside fellow gang member Connor Clausen, accountant Wiwini Hakaraia, as well as a media personality and a woman - who both have name suppression. The defence has yet to have its arguments heard. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this. Around the same time, a consignment of a kitchen stovetops shipped from the United States had been seized by Customs and examined. "We can see no reason why he cannot transfer prisons to undertake that programme and we hope that can happen as soon as reasonably possible," Young said. However, that is a consequence of your decisions.". In the recording, the man can be heard getting frustrated with Sha talking about a deal that he can make nearly half a million dollars from. Search warrants were also executed at the home linked to Rahman in Suva where Fijian Police discovered 39kg of cocaine, presumably destined for the Australian and New Zealand markets. 'I got hooked then and there': Conservationist in her 80s documents rare sea lion species, Race and erasure: Why the world's other humanitarian crises don't see the same response as Ukraine. Comanchero Motorcycle Gang members have been arrested in Auckland. We are making these materials available in an effort for news reporting or educational purposes. On the sentence appeal, Mansfield QC argued Justice Lang gave insufficient credit to reflect the challenges Naufahu has faced. The Comanchero Motorcycle Club New Zealand president feared he was about to be arrested eight months before a major police bust and also suspected police were bugging his phone, a jury has been told. More rain could further damage Central Hawke's Bay's rural roads, Comanchero gang leader Pasilika Naufahu jailed for 10 years, 'Largest ever' meth bust in NZ: Police, Customs seize 613kg of the drug, Comancheros-linked would-be drug courier jailed over failed deal, 'We have land that is build-ready': Housing minister considers temporary Hawke's Bay villages, Prolific 'pork' tag appears in Auckland 1000 times in just over one year, Immigration declines residency visa for family of much-needed Wairoa nurse, Some freight railway lines will remain closed for months due to Cyclone Gabrielle damage - KiwiRail. Vetekina and Fonua now join Tyson Daniels, the gang's vice-president, and Auckland lawyer Andrew Simpson in being convicted of laundering criminal profits. This website may contain copyrighted material, the use of which may not have been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. Everything went quiet until Rahman flew into Auckland International Airport on December 18, 2018, and checked into a hotel on Queen St, the Four Points by Sheraton. Biker News does not belong to or support any Club. In sentencing Daniels who was wearing a Versace top in Comanchero colours of black and gold to four years and eight months in prison, Justice Gerard van Bohemen said the senior club member played a crucial role overseeing the clubs operations for significant personal gain. I deeply regret a father being separated from his family. Simpson was jailed for two years and nine months after admitting laundering more than $2 million for Naufahu and the gang. This article contains a list of conflicts involving outlaw motorcycle clubs. The Court of Appeal was satisfied the connection between the erosion of Naufahus Tongan cultural values and his offending. We do not accept Mr Naufahu played anything other than a major and significant role in the conspiracy to supply pseudoephedrine.. Hakaraia offered cover as a professional service provider and businessman by reviewing the accounts of the concrete business, Johnstone said. He had admitted participating in an organised criminal group and nine money laundering charges which came from purchasing a swag of expensive vehicles. The president of the Comanchero Motorcycle Club president Pasilika Naufahu came to New Zealand in 2016 and went about setting up the gang for monetary gain while those around him enjoyed the benefits, the Crown say. Biker News does not belong to or support any Club. The gang's secretary Jarome Fonua has previously been jailed for his part in the drug operation. If you are a copyright owner or are authorized to act on behalf of one or authorized to act under any exclusive right under copyright, please report alleged copyright infringements taking place on or through the site by completing the DMCA Notice of Alleged Infringement and delivering it to our Designated Copyright Agent. Tallat Rahman, from Suva, was arrested in February 2019 in the first phase of the inquiry, which discovered how parcels of methamphetamine weighing up to 5kg were hidden inside kitchen appliances shipped from the United States. The five were arrestedfollowing a series of raidsacross Auckland in April 2019 which saw more than $3.7 million in assets seized along withluxury cars, motorcycles, luxury luggageand jewellery. But the police allege the Comanchero, an Australian motorcycle club which set up shop in New Zealand after a number of senior members were deported here, are behind significant drug smuggling linked to a Mexican cartel. The president of the Comanchero Motorcycle Club has had a year knocked off his jail term. Were going to land it there [in New Zealand].. Est. The Comanchero members and associates were arrested in April 2019 after a massive police search. We growing stronger and stronger.". NZ Police want leaders of King Cobras and the Rebels MC to start peace talks, Two men charged with the murder of NZ Outlaws leader Peter Lui, Comanchero MC in New Zealand: Presidents brother pleads guilty, Nomads MC national prez arrested over firearms and criminal group charges, Alleged Nomads leader refused bail over shootings charges after Canberra raids, DMCA Notice of Alleged Infringement and delivering it to our Designated Copyright Agent. Daniels was sentenced to four years and eight months after he pleaded guilty to participating in an organised criminal group and nine counts of money laundering. Mr Naufahus resurrection of his gang affiliations and his resort to offending in Auckland was virtually guaranteed when he was deported to New Zealand.. This stabbing attack occurred as part of the Sydney Airport Brawl in 2009. This didn't occur during his upbringing in Sydney, but in 2016 when he was deported to New Zealand under the 501 scheme, without any meaningful support or guidance. Two days before Christmas, December 23, 2018, Rahman left New Zealand but not before receiving a backpack full of cash. All rights reserved. Comanchero gang leader Pasilika Naufahu has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. Red Cross Cyclone Gabrielle fund: Where will donations go? After stopping at a cafe, the pair get back into the vehicle and the man can be heard telling Sha about how the area is one of the most policed areas in the country all gang squad. The Comanchero Motorcycle Club New Zealand president feared he was about to be arrested eight months before a major police bust and also suspected police were bugging his phone, a jury has been told. New Zealand chapter president Pasilika Naufahu, vice-president Tyson Daniels and Jarome Fonua today entered guilty pleas to an amended joint charge of assault after punching a man . However, the Court substituted the gang boss 10 year imprisonment to one of nine years. File photo. Frustrated emails from Kawerau constable to Police Commissioner Mike Bush led to downfall of Mo Video of gang's botched $1m drug deal that brought down Comancheros leader - NZ Herald, Auckland Airport meth bust: Air New Zealand baggage handlers charged - NZ Herald. An annual lemonade stand that raises money for children battling cancer is coming to a local Hells Angels club this year. 'I got hooked then and there': Conservationist in her 80s documents rare sea lion species, Race and erasure: Why the world's other humanitarian crises don't see the same response as Ukraine. Photo: Supplied, Connor Clausen during the first day of the Operation Nova trial at the High Court in Auckland. Dan Satherley Five gang members have been charged following what police are calling a "serious assault" in west Auckland. Comanchero Motorcycle Club president Pasilika Naufahu has been denied parole for a second time in four months. Photo / Supplied In sentencing Daniels - who was wearing a black and gold Versace top - to four years and eight months. "Everything that I am today, I owe it all to you. Later that day, the man yells at Sha that he is wasting time and is going to blow the deal. In one, lawyer Andrew Simpson - already convicted and jailed for money laundering - tells another man that he can tell "the boys" a $100,000 cheque has landed. "All done and sworn in welcome aboard to my brothers in New Zealand," an Australian member of the Comancheros posted on Instagram. Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook. "We are satisfied he is at high risk of re-offending given his past, given his personality, and given his involvement in the Comancheros gang.". You are not permitted to download, save or email this image. Pasilika Naufahu is on trial for drug, money laundering and organised crime charges. Once in New Zealand, the police allege the drugs were distributed by "frontmen" for the Comanchero, whose hierarchy allegedly reaped the rewards of the illicit trade. You made it work. No more games there is more than a million dollars coming. Not surprisingly he had sought out the company of others in the same situation, he said. Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook The Comancheros gang boss has been denied parole for a second time in four months because he is still considered an excessive risk if released. The day before, the man was observed leaving a Karaka address in a ute, Detective Sergeant Damian Espinosa said. Vetekina Naufahu pleaded guilty to three charges at a High Court hearing this morning, held by audio-visual link because of the Covid-19 lockdown in Auckland. Red Cross Cyclone Gabrielle fund: Where will donations go? Seiana Fakaosilea, the gang's sergeant-at-arms, was not arrested in Operation Nova. A trial involving laundering and drug charges against Comanchero president Pasilika Naufahu, Connor Michael Tamati Clausen, accountant Wiwini Himi Hakaraia, a media personality who has name suppression, and a woman also with name suppression is in its third week at the High Court at Auckland. Make sure you have subscribed to our Facebook page or Twitter to stay tuned! "It would take considerable willpower on your part to break away from those contacts.". If you are a copyright owner or are authorized to act on behalf of one or authorized to act under any exclusive right under copyright, please report alleged copyright infringements taking place on or through the site by completing the DMCA Notice of Alleged Infringement and delivering it to our Designated Copyright Agent. Naufahu was arrested following a series of raids across Auckland in April 2019, in which more than $3.7 million in assets was seized along with luxury cars, motorbikes, high-end luggage and jewellery. Naufahu, who lived. Daniels politely declined to comment to the Herald on Sunday. The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. Justice Sally Fitzgerald convicted Naufahu of the three offences and scheduled a sentencing date of October 23, 2020, alongside his fellow Comanchero Jarome Fonua. Go to the back of the car and put it in the boot, the man says. "I know you're up there in the forever chapter, sinking them down at the bar, flying that flag with 13 stars. Im going to land it between you and me [Ill give you] all the f***en work you can handle. When brought in for questioning by police, Rahman claimed to be in New Zealand on holiday. In total, 18 people were arrested, with lawyer Andrew Simpson and the gangs vice-president Tyson Daniels jailed in 2019 for their part in the operation. By Leighton Keith, Open Justice reporter of, Comanchero Motorcycle Club president Pasilika Naufahu has been denied parole for a second time in four months. A trial involving laundering and drug charges against Comanchero president Pasilika Naufahu, Connor Michael Tamati Clausen, accountant Wiwini Himi Hakaraia, a media personality who has name "Dad I wrote this for you, with a heavy heart, holding your reading glasses, listening to roadhouse blues. He was convicted of the murder of Hells Angels MC Anthony Zervas. Visit the #1 Biker Channel on YouTube and get straight up commentary on whats happening in the biker scene. For Vella, forever lasted until last week, when he posed in Comancheros colours with their new President Alex Meehan. Lawyer Andrew Simpson and the gangs vice-president Tyson Daniels were also among those arrested. Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook The sentencing of Comanchero vice- president Tyson Daniels and lawyer Andrew Simpson; inset, Jarome Fonua; below, two of the vehicles seized. The cheap wholesale price of $120,000 per kilogram was agreed to by both parties, in a deal the police believed would weigh at least 100kg ("a nice number with two zeros"). (First published in April 2019), luxury cars, motorbikes, high-end luggage, Comancheros gang president Pasilika Naufahu jailed for 10 years, Comancheros: Man who bought car for gang vice-president gets community detention, Comancheros: Gang president found guilty of money laundering and drugs charges, the character section of the Australian Migration Act, Mystery over Joseph Ahuriri deepens after truck spotted day of disappearance, Driver in fatal accident appeals her careless driving conviction, Judge to businesswoman - sell your mansion to pay your $10m debt, Thrift club: I save money by avoiding supermarkets, Doctor returned to US seven hours after crash that left chef with spinal injuries, Why we need to call time on the 10am check-out deadline, Quiz: Afternoon trivia challenge: March 2, 2023, Pilot inexperience key factor in helicopter crash that killed couple, injured children, Rob Campbell says ministers 'targeted' him after he stood up for co-governance, 'Much loved' community man killed in crash near Hanmer Springs. I thought you'd be happy to hear that.". Former Comancheros President Mick Hawi was jailed manslaughter after he stabbed and bludgeoned rival Hells Angel bikie Anthony Zervas in the domestic departure hall of Sydney Airport in 2009.. Pasilika Naufahu at his sentencing today in the High Court at Auckland. A psychologist considered a special treatment programme for violent offending would adequately meet Naufahu's rehabilitative needs. Pasilika Naufahu is on trial for drug, money laundering and organised crime charges. Of the dozens of intercepted calls using nicknames and codes played during the trial, none have involved the local Comancheros president until now. He is capable. Insane Throttle Support Club Become a member Now, Insane Throttle/Motorcycle Madhouse Radio YouTube and Audio Disclaimer, Meet the Insane Throttle Contributing Columnist James Hollywood Macecari, Motorcycle Clubs Riding Clubs and Associations Near Me Index & Listings, Our Policies here at Insane Throttle Publications. We believe this corresponds with a fair use of any such copyrighted material (referenced and provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law). And it came just days after "Mick" Hawi, the former national president of the Comancheros in Australia, was fatally gunned down in a Sydney gym carpark, by two masked men in broad daylight. The Vice President of Comanchero NZ released on parole Content Created by Grid Sparta Naufahu whose brother Pasilika is the president of the New Zealand chapter of the Australian motorcycle club also pleaded guilty to possession of MDMA, or Ecstasy, which is a Class-B controlled drug. Jul 2019. When brought in for questioning by police, Rahman claimed to be in New Zealand on holiday. Comancheros vice-president Tyson Daniels has already been sentenced to four years and eight months' imprisonment. Three days later, Rahman's son checked into the same hotel and was seen meeting with another man, a 19-year-old Mexican national, who also cannot be identified for legal reasons. You know the puakas get all my messages," the text read. Justice Lang said despite Naufahu steadfastly denying being involved in drug dealing, his conviction was useful insight in to the modus operandi of the gang. The Court of Appeal concluded those statements were admissible to prove Naufahu was participating in the conspiracy. Justice Sally Fitzgerald convicted Naufahu of the three offences and scheduled a sentencing date of October 23, 2020, alongside his fellow . I'm on a big case over here.". Comancheros boss Pasilika Naufahu has been sentenced to ten years in prison after last year being found guilty of money laundering and conspiring to supply drugs. "You made it work. The 35-year-old was sentenced to 10 years in prison in February 2021 for participating in an organised criminal group, conspiring to deal in a Class B controlled drug, money laundering, unlawful possession of ammunition and assault. That man cannot be identified as he is awaiting trial on a number of drugs charges. "You were the president of the Comancheros" and as such were in a position of influence, Justice Lang said to Naufahu. The hairdresser, He Sha, was jailed in 2020 after he admitted crossing the Tasman to sell pseudoephedrine in a failed deal. The Comancheros gang was founded in Sydney in the 1960s and has been growing in size and influence in New Zealand in recent years. Naufahu has denied conspiring to import a class A drug, conspiring to supply class B drug pseudoephedrine and three charges of money laundering, namely using $212,796.96 towards purchasing a Bentley, Ford Ranger and a concrete pump. The media personality is charged with participating in an organised criminal group and two charges of money laundering including the purchase of two concrete pumps totalling $439,700. Police feared the gang's connections to international organised crime groups and sophisticated tradecraft would give it outsized influence in New Zealand's criminal underworld. Aged between 18 and 24, all are members of the Comancheros gang, said Det. File photo. There was nearly 5kg of methamphetamine inside. But another thing the success of the group bought with it was a problem, the problem was how to hide the crimes that were generating all the money, Johnstone said. Justice van Bohemen said Simpson was the facilitator of the money-laundering scheme, who used his specialist skills and knowledge as a lawyer. Defendants, jurors, counsel and media are all required to physically distance and wear masks in the courtroom. After a lengthy and high-profile jury trial last year, Naufahu was found guilty of two money-laundering charges - one in respect of a Ford Ranger and the other a $102,075 Bentley. Everything went quiet until Rahman flew into Auckland International Airport on December 18, 2018, and checked into a hotel on Queen St, the Four Points by Sheraton. Video / Mike Scott. Former ACT president of Comancheros bikie gang Peter Zdravkovic jailed over fraud, drug possession Victoria Police Police Detective Horrific Arrest Melbourne Fight South Possible explosives found in Narre Warren after two Comanchero bikies arrested Melbourne Restaurants Fire Inside Concert Concerts Bikies arrested after Melbourne shootout The trial against Naufahu, Connor Michael Tamati Clausen, accountant Wiwini Himi Hakaraia, a media personality who has name suppression, and a woman, also with name suppression, began on Monday at the High Court at Auckland. Members of the car and put it in the courtroom not surprisingly he had admitted participating in the scene. President of the car and put it in the 1960s and has been sentenced to 10 in. Naufahu and the gangs vice-president Tyson Daniels were also among those arrested give the! Up commentary on whats happening in the 1960s and has been denied parole for a second in! 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