Police in Auckland say they have cracked an organised crime group that fraudulently purchased Rugby World Cup tickets.
More than $500,000 worth of tickets and cash were found during searches at two properties on Friday.
Police say 933 tickets for matches throughout the tournament were recovered, along with cash. They say the ticket purchases were made from outside New Zealand using false credit card details.
Two men have been charged with being part of an organised crime group and appeared in Auckland District Court on Friday afternoon.
Detective Superintendent Andy Lovelock says police have been working closely with Customs and Immigration, and with Rugby World Cup officials since the fraud was initially detected.
During the past week, six people have been intercepted coming in or on their way to New Zealand.
Rugby World Cup 2011 chief executive Martin Snedden says tickets bought fraudulently will be cancelled and fans who buy them from unofficial sources will not be able to get into games.
