Operation PAID Update # 3

30 May 2008

The operational phase of Operation PAID has now been completed and fishery officers are returning to their home districts around the country.

In total:

59 offenders have been apprehended and dealt with by fishery officers and police, five people have been contacted but not yet interviewed, and one person is still sought.

24 cars have been seized, 16 cars have not yet been located, have been on-sold prior to the operation or are not in a driveable state.

69 properties have been entered (number unchanged since update two on 28 May).

Yesterday afternoon (Thursday 29 May) Keri Smith of Taita appeared in the Lower Hutt District Court to face 26 charges on fishery related matters. He did not enter a plea and was remanded in custody until 17 June 2008.

Six people have appeared in the Manukau District Court today (Friday 30 May) on fishery related matters to collectively face 12 charges.

The people who appeared are:

• Thu Thuy Ho (43) facing 2 charges – bailed to reappear in Manukau District Court on 19 June 2008.
• Yue Giu Li (43) facing 3 charges – remanded to reappear in Auckland District Court on 13 June (note that the name of the restaurant that employs him has been suppressed by the Court).
• Xiangiang Chen (27) facing 4 charges – remanded to reappear in Manukau District Court on 3 July.
• Huong Ly (46) facing 1 charge – bailed to reappear in Manukau District Court on 19 June.
• Thin Thi Vu (40) facing 1 charge – bailed to reappear in Manukau District Court on 19 June.
• Than Tuu Nguyn (57) facing 1 charge – bailed to reappear in Manukau District Court on 19 June.

All those appearing in court as a result of Operation PAID are collectively expected to face more than 300 serious charges under the Fisheries Act 1996.

All charges are carried out under Section 233 of the Fisheries Act, which carries a maximum penalty of up to five years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.