Reporting harmful or illegal activities that may be linked to foreign interference
Learn how to report harmful or illegal activities linked to foreign interference that may already be offences in New Zealand.
Reporting harmful or illegal activities that may be linked to foreign interference
Note: This is general information. It is for your understanding only and is not legal advice.
For specific legal advice, speak to a qualified legal professional.
Some harmful activities carried out by foreign state actors as part of foreign interference are already offences under New Zealand law.
If these activities are happening, or there is reason to believe they may be happening, they should be reported to the New Zealand Police (NZ Police) or anonymously through Crime Stoppers New Zealand (Crime Stoppers).
It does not need to be proven that the activity is connected to a foreign state or that it is foreign interference because the activity itself may already be an offence in its own right.
Reports can still be made to the NZ Police or Crime Stoppers even if the origin of the activity, or whether a foreign state is involved, is unknown. The NZ Police will assess the situation and determine whether further action is required.
These activities include:
- intimidation and threats
- blackmail
- stalking
- harassment
- assault and related violence
- cybercrime such as hacking and unauthorised access
- harmful digital communications (for example emails, social media content, or posts on online community forums) that are intended to cause harm, may be a criminal offence
Learn more about harmful digital communications on the New Zealand Police website
Reporting offences to NZ Police
If it is an emergency and happening now, call 111 and ask for the NZ Police.
If it’s not an emergency, you can contact the NZ Police by:
- using the 105 online form
- calling 105 from any mobile or landline, this service is free and available 24/7 nationwide
The 105 form asks for some of your personal information to help the NZ Police process your report and follow up with you. The NZ Police only use this information for permitted purposes.
Reporting anonymously to Crime Stoppers
You can share information anonymously through Crime Stoppers New Zealand.
Crime Stoppers is an independent charity that provides a safe and simple way to report crime or other serious concerns to authorities, including Immigration, Customs and the NZ Police.
This includes information about possible foreign interference in New Zealand.
You can submit a report anonymously using the online form, or speak to someone by calling Crime stoppers on 0800 555 111 (or +64 9 927 3971 if overseas).
Your identity will not be shared with authorities.
It is important to note that while an anonymous report can provide important information to the NZ Police, it may not provide enough information for the NZ Police to conduct a formal investigation, and doesn’t count as a formal complaint.
Reporting foreign bribery
Foreign bribery occurs when a person or business offers, gives, or promises a bribe to any person to influence a foreign public official in relation to the performance of their official duties.
Foreign bribery also occurs when public officials in New Zealand are offered, given or promised bribes by foreign persons. Foreign bribery may be used by foreign states or their proxies, to carry out foreign interference.
If you suspect foreign bribery, you can report it confidentially through the Serious Fraud Office’s anonymous reporting tool: Report Foreign Bribery - Serious Fraud Office New Zealand