Lane Walker Rudkin Industries Limited and associated entities (LWR Group) were placed into receivership on 28 April 2009 owing approximately $120 million, the majority of which is owed to Westpac New Zealand Ltd.

After considering a complaint received from the receivers, BDO Spicers, the Director determined that an investigation into the affairs of LWR Group may disclose serious or complex fraud.  An investigation under Part II of the Serious Fraud Office Act was commenced on 17 September 2009.

The SFO has laid 82 criminal charges against Lane Walker Rudkin Industries (LWR) director Kenneth James Anderson (64) and another individual.  

Mr Anderson faces 61 charges under the Crimes Act, relating to allegations that he fabricated financial documents in order to obtain and retain lending facilities from Westpac New Zealand Limited (Westpac), ultimately totaling $118 million.

He is also facing a further 21 charges relating to the alleged use of fabricated documentation to obtain funds under a letter of credit facility provided by Westpac.

Another person, who has name suppression, is facing eight charges in relation to the letter of credit facility. 

The accused are next due to appear in court on 16 October 2011.

The SFO investigation into LWR is continuing but has been delayed by the ongoing circumstances in Christchurch following the September and February earthquakes which caused significant delays in interviewing parties associated with the case. The investigation is, however, expected to conclude within the next two months.

The SFO has made good progress with its investigation into the affairs of LWR Group, and has interviewed a number of individuals.  SFO was not intending to interview all associated individuals but if you have information you would like to discuss with the SFO, please make contact via the contact details below.

The case manager for this case is Nick Paterson.  If you have questions regarding your personal involvement with this case or information that may assist the investigation, he can be contacted on nick.paterson@sfo.govt.nz or 0800 109 800. 

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