A NEW law to combat organised crime and corruption has passed its first hurdle in Parliament.

The Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Legislation Bill passed its first reading yesterday with unanimous support.

Justice Minister Amy Adams, who introduced the bill, said it would respond to threats posed by money laundering, fraud and drug-related crime.

“Unfortunately, New Zealand is not immune to the threat posed by both international and domestic criminal networks, which operate on many fronts,” Adams said.

“Criminals use money laundering to disguise their criminal activities and to profit from crime.”

Other targeted criminal activities include identity theft, people trafficking and range of acts considered to be bribery and corruption.

The bill has been referred to the law and order select committee for consideration. [Read more…]