Eight million dollars in property has been forfeited by those involved in an Auckland restaurant chain, investigated for tax evasion and immigration-related offending.

A High Court decision has approved settlement between the Masala group and the Crown for the forfeiture of $8 million, which will be met by the sale of property.

The properties were restrained in New Zealand's biggest ever asset seizure, worth $34 million, which also included safe deposit boxes.

In 2012, authorities began investigating companies and individuals involved with the chain of Indian restaurants.

They uncovered widespread and systemic tax evasion and immigration-related offending.

Bosses at Masala Auckland were found guilty of underpaying and exploiting immigrant workers, who were paid as little as $3 an hour with the hope of securing a visa and residency.

Wellington's Masala restaurant has no links to the Auckland franchises.