Operation Trojan Shield: Police still hunting for Hamilton man with alleged involvement in major international bust

A 26-year-old man is wanted by police in relation to the major international operation targeting users of the encrypted Anom phones.

The global sting internationally referred to as Operation Trojan Shield, saw criminals tricked into communication on an app operation by the FBI. While gangsters thought their conversations about alleged murder plots and drug crimes were secret, in reality, they were being watched by authorities.

Police said on Monday they are "still seeking" 26-year-old Ricky MacFarlane, a man who has links to the Hamilton area.

Ricky MacFarlane, 26 is wanted by police in relation to Operation Equinox.
Ricky MacFarlane, 26 is wanted by police in relation to Operation Equinox. Photo credit: Police NZ

A 24-year-old man also wanted in relation to the Waikato operation is now in custody, police said. 

In New Zealand, the overarching operation is referred to as Operation Spyglass. Within that, there are three operations - Van, Equinox, and Seltos.

Equinox, the operation MacFarlane is wanted over, targeted Waikato Comancheros and Waikato Mongrel Mob Kingdom members. They are alleged to have worked with offshore entities to import large quantities of meth and MDMA which was distributed across the country.

So far 35 people have been arrested, 900 charges laid and $3.7 million in assets seized during the major police operation. 

Raids have taken place right across the world including the United States, Europe and Australia, netting millions in assets and seeing hundreds of people arrested.

Anyone with information on MacFarlane's whereabouts is asked to contact Police on 105 and quote Operation Equinox, file number 201016/5636.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.