New Zealand authorities charge 23 people in alleged gambling grant fraud

New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs said 23 people faced more than 500 charges in Auckland District Court on 12 February 2026, including allegations of money laundering, receiving stolen funds and using forged documents. The department alleges grant money from the class 4 gambling system was channelled through sham charities and fictitious salaries; the defendants received interim name suppression until their next court appearance on 9 April.