Unlicensed Auckland security operator handed hefty fine

19 February 2026
 
An unlicensed Auckland security operator has been convicted and fined $14,000 and sentenced to 180 hours of community work following a Department of Internal Affairs investigation.

33-year-old Capper Alefaio, who ran Great One Security Limited, appeared before Auckland District Court today after having earlier pleaded guilty to three charges under the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010 and one charge of obtaining by deception under the Crimes Act 1961.

“Mr Aleafaio unlawfully provided crowd control and commercial property protection services over two years, between December 2021 and March 2023, says Marty Greentree, Chief Investigator with the Complaints, Investigation and Prosecution Unit at the Department of Internal Affairs.

“This fine and sentence is a reminder to anyone providing unlicensed security services that if you break the law you will be held accountable.”

“In New Zealand, it is illegal to work as a security guard, crowd controller, or personal guard without a valid Certificate of Approval or licence issued by the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority. Uncertified guards and their unlicensed employers face strict penalties, including fines up to $20,000 for individuals and $40,000 for companies.

“This important requirement helps protect communities and the reputation of the security industry by ensuring security providers are trusted, trained, and comply with the law. Having unlicensed people in the industry puts the public at real risk.

“Mr Alefaio had been warned by the Department before the offending that his security company did not hold the necessary licence and needed to cease operating. It was also the explicit expectation of his agreement with a customer he was providing security for, that his company have a valid licence. Ultimately the customer was deceived, while Mr Aleafaio profited.” says Mr Greentree.