Financial fraud in New Zealand is a serious crime that carries significant legal implications. Some of the potential legal consequences of financial fraud in New Zealand include:
1. Criminal Charges: Financial fraud is a criminal offence under the Crimes Act 1961 and can result in criminal charges. Depending on the severity of the offence, penalties can include imprisonment, fines, or community service.
2. Civil Liability: Victims of financial fraud can also sue for civil damages under the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 or the Fair Trading Act 1986. This can include compensatory damages for any losses incurred as a result of the fraud, as well as punitive damages to punish the offender.
3. Regulatory Action: Financial fraud can also result in regulatory action by government agencies such as the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) or the Commerce Commission. This can include fines, penalties, and restrictions on the offender's ability to conduct business or participate in financial markets.
It is important for individuals and businesses to take financial fraud seriously and to implement appropriate controls to prevent it from occurring. This includes conducting background checks on employees, implementing fraud detection and prevention systems, and reporting any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.
