Serious Fraud Office (NZ)
Encyclopedia
The New Zealand
Serious Fraud Office (Maori
: Te Tari Hara Tāware) is based upon the British model
. The SFO works closely with the New Zealand Police
in trying to prevent serious and complex fraud
.
Established by the Serious Fraud Office Act 1990, the Serious Fraud Office is responsible for the investigation and prosecution of suspected cases of serious or complex fraud. Suspects questioned by the SFO have no right to silence and must answer questions and produce requested evidence, even if it incriminates them. Anyone who refuses to comply can be jailed.
The New Zealand Government announced in September 2007 that the SFO would be replaced by a new Organised Crime Agency.
However, the bill to disband the SFO was delayed by the inquiry into donations received by the political party New Zealand First. After the November 2008 election the new Prime Minister John Key informed Parliament that the SFO would not be disbanded.
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
Serious Fraud Office (Maori
Maori language
Māori or te reo Māori , commonly te reo , is the language of the indigenous population of New Zealand, the Māori. It has the status of an official language in New Zealand...
: Te Tari Hara Tāware) is based upon the British model
Serious Fraud Office (UK)
The Serious Fraud Office is an independent UK Government department that investigates and prosecutes serious or complex fraud and corruption...
. The SFO works closely with the New Zealand Police
New Zealand Police
The New Zealand Police is the national police force of New Zealand, responsible for enforcing criminal law, enhancing public safety, maintaining order and keeping the peace throughout New Zealand...
in trying to prevent serious and complex fraud
Fraud
In criminal law, a fraud is an intentional deception made for personal gain or to damage another individual; the related adjective is fraudulent. The specific legal definition varies by legal jurisdiction. Fraud is a crime, and also a civil law violation...
.
Established by the Serious Fraud Office Act 1990, the Serious Fraud Office is responsible for the investigation and prosecution of suspected cases of serious or complex fraud. Suspects questioned by the SFO have no right to silence and must answer questions and produce requested evidence, even if it incriminates them. Anyone who refuses to comply can be jailed.
The New Zealand Government announced in September 2007 that the SFO would be replaced by a new Organised Crime Agency.
However, the bill to disband the SFO was delayed by the inquiry into donations received by the political party New Zealand First. After the November 2008 election the new Prime Minister John Key informed Parliament that the SFO would not be disbanded.