Computer receiving charges dropped

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Charges have been dropped against the last accused in the Operation Wizard computer theft and receiving ring broken by the police in Christchurch last May.

Seven people have pleaded guilty to the theft, receiving, and conspiracy charges involving a total of about 100 computers and 80 complainants.

The computers - stolen in organised shoplifting and burglaries - had their serial numbers removed and their hard drives "cleaned" before being resold through the DK Computers and Supply Ltd shop in Stanmore Rd, or on the website Trademe.

Chao Liu, 27, unemployed, still faced four charges of receiving stolen property.

But at a pre-trial conference session before Judge Michael Crosbie in Christchurch District Court today, prosecutor Kathy Bell announced that the Crown would not proceed with the remaining charges. Judge Crosbie discharged Liu.

Those involved in the thefts and burglaries have already been sentenced. The two main offenders who admitted conspiring to receive the gear pleaded guilty last week and are awaiting sentence.

- NZPA