Importer charged by Customs

An Auckland-based businessman has been arrested and charged after importing 133 second-hand vehicles from Japan using allegedly falsified documents.

A Customs and NZTA investigation found the man allegedly imported the vehicles, mainly trucks, between 2020 and 2024 and the units had understated odometer readings and other false information.

The 36-year-old appeared in Waitakere District Court on July 24, charged with being knowingly concerned in any importation, transportation, shipment, unshipment, or landing of prohibited imports.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of six months’ imprisonment or a $10,000 fine. Customs says further charges are possible.

Customs began its investigation in April 2024 after being approached by NZTA about imported vehicles suspected of having incorrect import records. 

“The investigation identified the individual and his company which imported the vehicles for on-sale,” says Customs.

“Imported vehicles from Japan require an export certificate from Japanese authorities. In this case, a comparison of the export certificate and the import documents used by the defendant identified discrepancies with the vehicle odometer records, years of manufacture, and gross vehicle mass.”

Customs carried out a search warrant at the man’s residential and business address on July 24, which located further evidence and he was arrested on site.

Nigel Barnes, chief customs officer for fraud and prohibition, says: “This offending is serious not just from a border but also consumer fraud perspective as the suspect was supplying false import documents as well as duping buyers by selling older vehicles for higher profit.”

Customs says there are no immediate safety concerns with these vehicles and NZTA will contact affected owners.