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Money launderer Bill Liu sentenced to home detention

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff,
Publish Date
Wed, 10 May 2017, 9:12PM

Money launderer Bill Liu sentenced to home detention

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff,
Publish Date
Wed, 10 May 2017, 9:12PM

The Prime Minister denies justice can be bought in this country following the sentencing of Chinese money launderer Bill Liu today.

Liu, 45, was sentenced to five months home detention at his luxury downtown Auckland penthouse apartment.

Officially known as William Yan on his passport, last year Liu paid $43 million to the Government to settle his civil suit with the police.

Bill English said it would be wrong to think it means justice is for sale.

"They're large payments but I don't think you could jump to the conclusion that justice can be bought - the courts make the decision about the sentence."

Liu was also a donor to the National and Labour parties.

The Internal Affairs Minister Peter Dunne said he is is reviewing the citizenship of Liu.

Mr Liu's citizenship was controversial and granted against the advice of officials, by former Cabinet Minister Shane Jones back in 2008.

"There are certain powers that I have to deprive someone of their citizenship," said Mr Dunne.

"It's a power that you exercise very sparingly and as I say I'm seeking advice on the current situation and whether that comes within that ambit."

The police say the sentencing is a clear message to people who think they can profit from crime.

The Police say it was a complex investigation and it shows people will be held to account who profit from offending overseas, even if they live in New Zealand.

Of the money seized, almost $28 million will go to China, while $15 million is being retained by the New Zealand government.

 

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