Man charged in relation to Operation Concord investigation (media release)
Operation Concord – Update 16/6/2015
Operation Concord continues to make steady progress, with a large number of people having been approached by Police.
Enquiries of this nature are complex and require meticulous and methodical investigation.
The Operation Concord team continue to make enquiries throughout New Zealand, and to date, investigators have approached and interviewed more than 120 people. Most of those have been more than willing to cooperate with Police and we are grateful for their assistance.
A number of forensic opportunities continue to be pursued.
Over 30 investigators and analysts are currently working on the investigation.
We appreciate that the threat has caused concern to many New Zealanders and Police remain fully committed to identifying the offender/s.
To ensure that the investigation is not compromised in any way, Police can only release limited details about the investigation, however the public can be confident that despite the passage of time, the Operation Concord investigation team remain fully focussed on identifying the person/s responsible for the threat.
Background
Police are appealing for information from the public in relation to Operation Concord – a significant investigation into a threat to contaminate infant and other formula in an apparent protest over the use of 1080 poison in pest control.
Anonymous letters were received by Fonterra and Federated Farmers in November 2014, accompanied by small packages of milk powder which subsequently tested positive for the presence of a concentrated form of 1080.
The letters threatened to contaminate infant and other formula with 1080 unless New Zealand stopped using 1080 for pest control by the end of March 2015. The writer threatened to disclose the threat publicly if the Government did not meet this demand by this time.
While it’s possible the threat could be a hoax, it is being taken very seriously. Police are working with the Ministry for Primary Industries and other agencies to identify those responsible.
Our FAQs have more information.
How you can help
Police are appealing for the person, or group, responsible for the threat to make themselves known in order to resolve the matter.
Police would also like to hear from anyone who might be aware of someone who has strong views on the 1080 issue and made threats, or has discussed how to access supplies of 1080.
Even if you are unsure whether this information will be helpful we still want you to contact the enquiry team so they can make that assessment.
How to contact Police with information
Contact the Operation Concord inquiry team on 0800 723 665 or email them at opconcord@police.govt.nz.
Alternatively you can pass on information anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via the secure online form at www.crimestoppers-nz.org.
How to contact other agencies
- Ministry for Primary Industries (food safety issues): 0800 008 333
- Advice for consumers: www.mpi. govt.nz
- Health Line: 0800 611 116
- Plunket Line: 0800 933 922
Operation Concord FAQs
What is Operation Concord?
Operation Concord is a Police investigation into threats made in relation to the use of 1080 poison for pest control in New Zealand. In November 2014 Fonterra and Federated farmers received letters which threatened to contaminate infant and other formula with 1080 unless New Zealand stopped using 1080 for pest control by the end of March 2015.
While Fonterra received one of the threat letters, the threat did not refer specifically to Fonterra product. The threat referred to infant and other formula.
The letter writer threatened to disclose the threat publicly if the Government did not meet this demand by this time. The matter was referred to police and a full investigation has been underway since November.
What offence is being investigated?
The applicable charges we would consider fall under the Crimes Act 1961. The particular charge being considered at this time is blackmail. Everyone who commits blackmail is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years.
What information does Police want from the public?
Police are appealing for the person, or group, responsible for the threat to make themselves known in order to resolve the matter.
We also want to hear from anyone with information about individuals who have strong views on the 1080 issue and made threats, or has discussed access to supplies of 1080. We are seeking any information on the envelope image released by Police. Even if you are unsure whether this information will be helpful we still want you to contact the enquiry team so they can make that assessment.
Who is involved in the investigation?
Police has been working closely with Fonterra, Federated Farmers and the Ministry for Primary Industries, plus a number of relevant agencies, to identify those responsible and build a full picture of the situation. Police have also called upon specific expertise, such as forensic or linguistic experts, as required.
Do you believe it is an individual or a group responsible?
The letter appears to have come from an individual but we cannot rule out that there may be others involved.
Is it likely that the threat will be carried out?
While it is hard to speculate about the intentions of this individual, a Police assessment of the threat has determined that the risk of release of contaminated product is low.
Why has Police waited until now before going public?
The investigation team has been pursuing a range of lines of enquiry which needed to take place behind the scenes, as is standard for many police investigations. We are advising the public now because the investigation is at a point where the public's assistance is being sought.
We were also mindful of the very high risk of copycats should the nature of the threat be made public and needed to ensure measures were in place for this.
Will Police release the actual letters to the public?
Not at this time. We have given as much information as we can about the contents of the letters, however at this time we do not intend releasing them as that could compromise the ongoing investigation. We have released the envelope that one of the threats was mailed in. We ask the public to look carefully at this image and to contact us if they have any relevant information.
Are threats like this unusual in New Zealand?
The nature of this specific threat makes it unusual in the New Zealand context. However we are aware that other large jurisdictions have managed similar threat issues.
Are police concerned about "copy-cat" incidents?
Yes. We would like to send a clear message that we will deal firmly with those who attempt to exploit this situation.
Are Police confident that those responsible will be caught?
Police are confident that all necessary investigative steps are being taken, and all resources needed are being directed at the investigation. Police are also confident that the public will not tolerate a threat such as this and will want to assist Police in this important investigation.
How can the public provide information to Police?
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the inquiry team on 0800 723 665 or email them at opconcord@police.govt.nz.
Alternatively information can be disclosed anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.