An electrician implicated in a large-scale stolen goods operation has been sentenced to six months of community detention, The New Zealand Herald reported. Abhinav Singh Dutt, who pleaded guilty to seven charges of receiving stolen property, appeared in the High Court at Wellington.
Dutt’s involvement came to light during Operation Trump Card, a 2022 police investigation targeting a multimillion-dollar receiving operation led by Chin Kok Soon. Soon, who had extensive connections across Wellington, was jailed last month for orchestrating the enterprise, which dealt in nearly $3 million worth of stolen goods.
The Operation’s Scope
Soon’s network involved stolen power tools, bicycles, building materials, and electronics, which were either offered to him or specifically requested. Dutt, a tenant in one of Soon’s properties, played a significant role in the operation by storing and selling stolen goods on Soon’s behalf.
Police uncovered stolen items hidden in storage units, garages, and houses linked to Dutt. He sold approximately $15,000 worth of stolen property on platforms like Facebook and Trade Me. At the time of his arrest, Dutt was driving a car containing $10,000 worth of stolen items.
Justice Karen Grau noted Dutt’s mid-level culpability in the scheme. While he didn’t benefit materially and acted under Soon’s instructions, Dutt was described as an essential accomplice.
“No Cure for Foolishness”
During sentencing, Dutt’s lawyer, Blake Dawson, characterised his client as “a bit of a fool,” arguing that his actions were out of character and driven by naivety. Dawson said Dutt’s lapse in judgment could cost him his career, his company directorship, and his electrician registration.
Dawson highlighted Dutt’s otherwise solid reputation, supported by character references from friends, colleagues, and his landlord. He told the court that Dutt had shown genuine remorse, having participated in restorative justice. This included meeting with one victim, paying $400 in reparations, and writing apology letters to others.
Judge Praises Restorative Efforts
Justice Grau acknowledged Dutt’s remorse and the positive outcomes of the restorative justice process. “It’s no easy thing for an offender to face the victim directly and hear about the impact of their offending,” she said.
Referring to Dutt’s clean record and the outpouring of character support, the judge described the offending as a significant but isolated lapse.
“This was a very significant lapse by a person who has otherwise shown themselves to be reliable, responsible, and hardworking,” Herald quoted Justice Grau.
The Sentence
Justice Grau imposed a sentence of six months’ community detention, which includes a nightly curfew, and declined to impose community work, citing its potential impact on Dutt’s employment.
The Crown had initially proposed both community detention and community work as appropriate measures, but Justice Grau found community work unwarranted.
Dutt’s lawyer reiterated his client’s determination to rebuild his life and make amends, emphasising that the sentence would serve as a sharp reminder of the consequences of his actions.
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