Post by Kiwi Frontline on Jun 16, 2019 17:10:28 GMT 12
ALARM OVER ALLEGATIONS OF STANDOVER TACTICS TO EXTORT MONEY FROM CONTRACTORS IN OPOTIKI
Police complaints have been filed over a group allegedly using Mafia tactics to extort money from contractors in Opotiki on behalf of iwi.
Gravel contractors report threats of violence and damage to their equipment if "royalty" payments weren't made to a group of people alleged to be acting on behalf of the Opeke marae which is part of the hapu Ngati Irapuaia of the Whakatohea iwi.
"We were employed by a land owner to to take gravel, which was a consented activity," he said. "A couple of days later threats were made about burning my excavator unless royalties were paid. A couple of days later my truck had its tyres slashed."
A private investigation launched by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council revealed the threats were more widespread.
It is understood the investigation alleged threats to beekeepers on Department of Conservation land and a school lessee; reported instances of damage to diggers and trucks, and detailed how invoices were being presented to contractors for payment. One contractor allegedly paid tens of thousands of dollars......
www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/113505997/alarm-over-allegations-of-standover-tactics-to-extort-money-from-contractors-in-opotiki
Police complaints have been filed over a group allegedly using Mafia tactics to extort money from contractors in Opotiki on behalf of iwi.
Gravel contractors report threats of violence and damage to their equipment if "royalty" payments weren't made to a group of people alleged to be acting on behalf of the Opeke marae which is part of the hapu Ngati Irapuaia of the Whakatohea iwi.
"We were employed by a land owner to to take gravel, which was a consented activity," he said. "A couple of days later threats were made about burning my excavator unless royalties were paid. A couple of days later my truck had its tyres slashed."
A private investigation launched by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council revealed the threats were more widespread.
It is understood the investigation alleged threats to beekeepers on Department of Conservation land and a school lessee; reported instances of damage to diggers and trucks, and detailed how invoices were being presented to contractors for payment. One contractor allegedly paid tens of thousands of dollars......
www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/113505997/alarm-over-allegations-of-standover-tactics-to-extort-money-from-contractors-in-opotiki