5 men charged over blackmail

Five Auckland men have been charged by police for allegedly blackmailing brothel owners to ensure the safety of their staff.

10 November 2010
Auckland men who've allegedly been blackmailing brothel owners into paying them money, have been charged by police.

The five men, aged between 17 and 30, were arrested last week and have today appeared in court on six charges of blackmail.

It's alleged they intimidated owners and managers of massage parlours and brothels into paying hundreds of dollars to ensure the safety of their staff.

Three of the men are Asian students.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison.

The men will reappear in court on the 1st of December.

>> More Law and Order News Subscribe to NZCity's Law and Order articles

© 2010 NZCity, NewsTalkZB