Having their family home registered in the sole name of his partner Angelina Singh did not stop Police claiming a half share in the net equity of Martin Pritchard’s Auckland home, seized as proceeds of crime after his conviction for drug offences.
Pritchard was convicted and sentenced in 2024 to twelve years six months imprisonment for methamphetamine importation.
His partner Ms Singh did not face any related criminal charges.
Police seized cash and motor vehicles in Pritchard’s possession, allegedly proceeds of crime.
The High Court was told Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act negotiations with Police saw Pritchard agree assets to the value of $558,500 would be surrendered as a profit forfeiture order.
Cash and motor vehicles already seized did not cover this amount.
Police said his family home on Waituarua Drive in Takanini was liable to forfeiture as ‘tainted property.’ Cash generated from illegal activity was used in part to pay down a mortgage over the house, Police allege.
While the family home is registered in name of Ms Singh alone, it is relationship property with Pritchard entitled to a relationship property half share.
As part of a court-approved proceeds of crime settlement, Pritchard was given time to raise further finance, potentially on security of Waituarua Drive, up to the value of his relationship property interest, to pay the balance of the agreed $558,500 profit forfeiture order.
Failure to do so may lead to a forced sale of Waituarua Drive.
Commissioner of Police v. Pritchard – High Court (4.08.26)
26.216