Quote:A respected JP who allegedly used his bank accounts to help offshore criminals steal nearly $1.8 million from 12 investment scam victims has lost suppression and can finally be named.

Suren Sharma is a Karaka accountant and registered IRD tax agent who is also the director and shareholder of multiple companies.

The 73-year-old pensioner has been a Justice of the Peace since the 1980s when he was recommended for the position by former Manurewa MP Sir Roger Douglas.

Sharma has been fighting to keep his name secret since his arrest on money laundering charges in January last year, arguing his reputation and accountancy business would both be destroyed if he was identified.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland-jp-suren-sharma-loses-suppression-in-18m-money-laundering-case/QBJVOZNIUZFPXF5ESW7G7JGTVI/

(21-05-2025, 12:41 PM)dken31 Wrote: As a registered tax agent myself, I'll say this: whether or not he new what he was doing or not, there is no way he should be allowed to continue to be a tax agent. 
If he actually did know it was money laundering or at least suspected, but just chose not to ask further questions (either option being as bad as the other in my opinion), then he's a thief and should in no way hold a position of trust or responsibility with regard to other people's finances.  But if he had no suspicion, and genuinely thought it was all completely legitimate, then he is grossly incompetent...and should in no way hold a position of trust or responsibility with regard to other people's finances.

(21-05-2025, 03:59 PM)Oh_hunnihunni Wrote: I know. Worrying isn't it? What's next? CT gets woke?

Horreurs!