Three patched Head Hunter Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) members and an associate have been found guilty of conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery following the conclusion of a successful Police covert operation.
This morning patched Head Hunter OMCG gang member Joshua John Ashby was sentenced to 6 months home detention with a further 6 months of post release conditions for his role in the conspiracy. Head Hunter associate James Sturch was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment in November while in June patched members Steven John Tainui and Dwaine Carl Tonihi were sentenced to home detention.
Detective Senior Sgt Lloyd Schmid from the Organised Financial Crime Agency of New Zealand (OFCANZ) said Police surveillance prevented a serious crime from being committed.
“During a covert investigation in 2012, we learnt that this organised criminal group had planned to commit an aggravated robbery using a firearm on an unidentified member of the public,” Mr Schmid said.
This mornings sentencing, in the Manukau District Court, comes less than two months after two senior Head Hunter OMCG members were charged with the manufacture and supply of methamphetamine following the termination of Operation Genoa.
“Today’s sentencing, and the arrests made during Operation Genoa, are further examples of OFCANZ ongoing commitment to policing these Outlaw Motorcycle gangs,” Mr Schmid said.
“In the short-term at least their ability to commit crime including their ability to participate in the illegal drug trade will be severely reduced.”
“The success of this investigation sends a clear message to the entire criminal community that we will use every legal avenue at our disposal to target organised criminal groups.”
ENDS
Issued by Mere Wilson Tuala-Fata, Senior Media Advisor, PNHQ.