Mother, son appeal $3m fines over suspicious transfers on behalf of businessman

A mother and son claim they had no idea a wealthy Chinese-Canadian businessman ran a $202 million pyramid scheme when they transferred money into New Zealand banks in central Auckland on his behalf, Stuff reports. Ron Mansfield, QC, acting on behalf of Qiang Fu and Fuqin Che, said there was no evidence they made any money from the transfers, only a small commission, and they did not know the funds may have been dishonestly obtained. Crown prosecutor David Johnstone said the obvious motive for the offending was to ensure the money could continue being transferred into New Zealand and deposited into Gong’s accounts without it raising concern.