Nearly four years after a daring burglary at a Westmere home targeting cryptocurrency, cash, jewellery, and family heirlooms, investigators have made a significant breakthrough. In a rural operation in Wellsford, two individuals have been arrested and face charges related to the incident.

Timeline & investigative trail

-9 September 2021: A safe holding roughly NZD $4 million in cryptocurrency, along with other valuables, was stolen during renovations at a Westmere residence. The burglary was highly sophisticated—thanks to the burglars’ apparent knowledge of alarm systems and camera placements.

-Mid-2024: The case returned to active investigation after the victim engaged a private investigator who uncovered new lines of inquiry. These were passed on to the Auckland City Financial Crime Unit (FCU), who intensified efforts with digital forensics and tactical support.

-20 August 2025: A coordinated search warrant was executed at a Wellsford address. Detectives arrested:

• A 31-year-old man, charged with the 2021 burglary and four counts of money laundering involving the $4 million in cryptocurrency.
• A 30-year-old woman, jointly charged with the money laundering offences.
• Authorities seized electronic devices for further forensic analysis.

Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton praised the collaborative efforts with private investigators and the sustained work by Detective Oliver Moss.

Now, the two accused are scheduled to appear in the Auckland District Court on 26 August. No further details regarding their residential backgrounds—such as whether they are from Wellsford—are currently available.