Early this morning, search warrants were executed across 13 Auckland addresses in relation to the investigation into the kidnapping and death of Jindarat Prutsiriporn.

Around 100 Police staff were involved in the operation as well as members of the Auckland Armed Offenders Squad.

The search warrants were executed without incident.

As a result of the investigation and operational activity today, nine people have been charged with kidnapping and five of those also face a manslaughter charge in relation to Jindarat’s death.

Some of those arrested are members of the Head Hunters gang East Auckland chapter, including patched members.

Detective Inspector Dave Lynch says the arrests today are the result of the hard work and dedication of the investigation team who have worked tirelessly for the last ten weeks to get to this point.

“This was a complex investigation with a number of people allegedly involved. I hope the arrests can provide some comfort to Jindarat’s family and the wider community” he says.

The nine facing charges are as follows:

• 5 men aged 25 [2], 30, 26, 33,have been charged with Manslaughter and Kidnapping

• 3 men aged 24, 25, & 23 and a 29 year old woman have been charged with kidnapping.

All nine will appear in the Manukau District Court tomorrow.

Police cannot rule out the possibility of further arrests as the enquiry unfolds.

The matter is now before the courts and Police are limited in what can be said however, it will be alleged that the motivation behind this kidnapping was drug related and involved organised crime including members of the Head Hunters.

Gang crime thrives on instilling fear and controlling people. Communities, government, Police, educators, families and friends of gang members have to work together against gang crime to make prevention work.

We also would like to take this opportunity to remind the media that Jindarat’s family has asked for privacy and that they be allowed to grieve in private.

ENDS

Issued by Shelley Nahr / 021 595 562