The Transnational Organised crime index released in November 2025 included New Zealand.
A brief summary of findings in the Index is that:
- New Zealand is a destination country for human trafficking.
- Gangs drive the illicit firearms market in New Zealand, with local criminal networks engaged in trafficking and distribution. The illicit trade in excise goods, particularly tobacco, is expanding.
- The main flora crimes in New Zealand are illegal logging and illicit timber trade. The illegal harvesting of native tree species, such as rimu, has caused serious environmental damage in some areas. Illegal wildlife trafficking and IUU fishing are the main fauna crimes in New Zealand.
- One of New Zealand’s most entrenched criminal markets is the synthetic drug trade, particularly methamphetamine, which is dominated by OMCGs, Asian syndicates and deported Australian gang members who coordinate large-scale imports from Mexico, China and South East Asia.
- Cyber-dependent crimes in New Zealand are escalating, with increased ransomware attacks and data breaches. Financial losses from cyberattacks on large businesses reach millions annually.
- Financial crime in New Zealand includes cyber-enabled fraud, phishing and tax evasion. There has been a proliferation of various types of financial scams, including investment fraud, cyber-related tax fraud, marketplace scams, unauthorized online purchases, phishing attacks, job scams and romance fraud.
- For now, loosely structured but increasingly sophisticated criminal networks dominate New Zealand’s organized crime landscape. They are involved in drug trafficking, financial crimes, wildlife trafficking, human trafficking and firearms smuggling.
- There is no evidence of systemic state-embedded actors being involved in organized crime in New Zealand.
- Foreign actors are prominent in New Zealand’s organized crime landscape, especially linked to drug trafficking, cybercrime and human trafficking. Asian syndicates, particularly those with ties to Chinese Triads, play an important role in methamphetamine trafficking and often collaborate with Latin American and Mexican cartels
- To launder illicit proceeds, criminal actors in New Zealand use various economic sectors, in particular the real estate market, financial institutions and commercial investment services. Shell companies implicated in international tax offences, money laundering and financial fraud have exploited New Zealand’s financial system
- New Zealand has a robust democratic system characterized by free and fair elections, strong civil liberties and well-functioning political institutions. The country consistently ranks highly in global governance indicators, reflecting its commitment to political stability, accountability and transparency
- New Zealand’s judiciary is widely regarded as independent and effective, with a low risk of corruption.
- New Zealand has a well-developed anti-money laundering (AML) framework, with dedicated financial crime units that monitor suspicious transactions. The Financial Intelligence Unit and the Asset Recovery Units actively investigate money-laundering activities and facilitate asset seizures.
- The country has improved its compliance with international AML standards, but enforcement gaps remain, particularly the regulation of shell companies and professional services that may facilitate illicit financial flows.
- New Zealand has a strong independent civil society sector, with NGOs actively engaged in combatting human trafficking, financial crime and cybercrime. However, the media landscape has faced increasing challenges, including the closing of several news outlets in 2024, raising concerns about reduced scrutiny of government and democratic engagement
