Police are searching for an alleged "million-dollar money mule" accused of laundering nearly $2 million through a fake term deposit scam.
The Auckland financial crime unit is on the lookout for 31-year-old Ayom Wek, who has several warrants for his arrest over what police are calling "significant fraud matters".
“Police investigating the term deposit scam have identified Wek as part of our enquiries," Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton said.
“At this stage, we have received five reports relating to this man, each with hundreds of thousands of dollars behind them."
Police believed the total cost of Wek's offending was around $1.8 million.
“As part of our ongoing enquiries, we are now seeking his whereabouts in regards to these significant reports of fraud and warrants to arrest have been granted.”
Bolton asked anyone with information on the man's movements or current location to call 111 "immediately".
Wek was believed to be based in Auckland Central, and it was understood he was still in the country.
“While we do not believe he is still actively committing these offences, we are asking the community to be wary.
“A border alert is in place if Wek attempts to leave New Zealand,” Bolton said.
He asked anyone with information that might help with the investigation to call 105, filing reference number 240525/8716.
“We continue to urge anyone seeking financial advice or those looking to invest in a term deposit to proceed with caution," Bolton said.
Earlier this month, an Australian man was arrested in Auckland and charged with allegedly trying to swindle New Zealand victims through a term deposit scam.
Police were alerted to the plot in early June after a bank reported what it believed to be a "fraudulent transaction" of $40,000.
Days later, a man was arrested and charged with four counts of engaging in money laundering.
Following yesterday's arrest, Bolton urged people to be cautious before placing money into a term deposit scheme.
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