Rogue security operator convicted and fined for unlicensed security work

In individual repeatedly providing security services without a licence has been handed a conviction and large fine.

Sean Micheals also known as Seu Ilai Taleni, 56, was convicted and fined $18,000 in the Manukau District Court for offences under the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010.

Mr Micheals pled guilty to operating security services without a licence under the businesses Corporate Group International Limited, Corporate Protection and Security International Limited and HD Security Services Limited.
Corporate Protection and Security International Limited was prosecuted for a similar offence in 2014 when Mr Micheals was an officer of the company.

Marty Greentree, Chief Investigator with the Complaints, Investigation and Prosecution Unit at the Department of Internal Affairs says anyone wanting to carry out security related functions is required by law to first obtain a licence from the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority.

“The requirement for a security licence helps protect New Zealanders and security operators by ensuring service providers are trusted, trained, and comply with the law.”

“Security services are often in positions of authority and having unlicensed cowboys in the industry puts the public at real risk. If people break the law, we will catch them.”

“This individual not only took advantage of his clients, but also their employees who became victims of his unethical business practices,” says Mr Greentree.

ENDS

· The Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010 (The Act) introduced a monitoring and enforcement arm in the form of Complaints, Investigation and Prosecution Unit (CIPU) under the authority of the Chief Investigator.
· The CIPU is located within the Department of Internal Affairs’ Policy, Regulatory and Communities (under the Investigations Team, Regulatory Services).
· The Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority (PSPLA) is located at the Ministry of Justice and perform the licensing function of private security operators as prescribed by the Act.
· The CIPU is an independent function, separate from the PSPLA but will work with/for the PSPLA on specified matters including the investigation of complaints and validating information supplied in applications for licensing or certification.

Contact:
Media Desk
Te Tari Taiwhenua Department of Internal Affairs
Direct Dial: +64 27 535 8639
45 Pipitea Street | PO Box 805, Wellington 6140, New Zealand | www.dia.govt.nz