Millions in cryptocurrency seized from alleged Hamilton movie pirate

Police have seized more than $6 million in cryptocurrency from a Waikato man following an international investigation into alleged online movie piracy and money-laundering.

It's the biggest restraint of cryptocurrency in this country.

Police were tipped off two years ago by authorities in the United States to a website being run by a man here in Hamilton, allegedly distributing copyrighted films and laundering the proceeds.

More than $1 million in banked funds have also been seized from the man and an associate.

Police say the pair, and others, were using money transfer services like PayPal to send payments between New Zealand and the US, Canada and Vietnam.

The assets have been restrained under the Criminal Proceeds Recovery Act.