The Court of Appeal has ruled that an order issued by a Polish court against a man in Christchurch can be used to put a restraint on his New Zealand property.
Slawomir Bujak is suspected of criminal offending in Poland said to involve more than $US1 million.
The Court of Appeal says there is evidence that Mr Bujak disposed of his assets in Poland and imported the proceeds into New Zealand, using some of the money to purchase a property in Christchurch.
In 2006, Polish authorities asked the New Zealand Solicitor-General to assist in enforcing an order from a Polish court.
That order sought to place a restraint on Mr Bujak's money and property so that he could not dispose of it to avoid paying a fine or reparation if he is found guilty in Polish courts.
Monday's decision by the Court of Appeal means that the Polish order can now be registered in New Zealand.
