Corrupt Cop Vili Taukolo Gets Parole

A former Auckland police officer who was a paid informant from the criminal underworld was granted parole.

Vili Mahe Taukolo was paid tens of thousands of dollars to access sensitive material for organized criminals, including information about an operation targeting a multi-million dollar Mexican drug business.

He was tried and sentenced to two years and two months in prison last December after pleading guilty to accessing the police’s national intelligence enforcement system (NIA) for a dishonest purpose.

Taukolo, who graduated from police college in late 2016, resigned shortly after being charged.

In a Board of Parole decision released to the Herald, the panel’s convening judge, Neil MacLean, said that Taukolo had continued the same “commendable conduct” since his last hearing.

“There are enthusiastic references regarding his diligence, highlighting in particular his much appreciated work with Covid cleaning up in his role in prison,” said Judge MacLean.

Taukolo was in direct protective custody, which means that he had not had access to the same reintegration activities available to other prisoners.

However, since his last parole hearing, he had been able to come up with a “comprehensive” release and safety plan.

His attorney told the Board of Parole that an issue that had previously concerned the board
had been resolved.

At the last hearing, an alarming claim was made that Taukolo acceded to the NIA and released the information to other police officers knowing that it was “likely to be misused”.

Judge MacLean said: “She noted that senior police officers have confirmed that, to their knowledge, there were no other police officers who acted in the same way as Mr. Taukolo.”

Taukolo has employment available to him and the Board of Parole was satisfied that the risk would not be undue if he was released now.

It will be released later this month.

The special conditions imposed for six months are:

• Do not communicate with anyone who is associated with a gang.
• Reside at the approved address and do not move unless you have the written approval of a probation officer.
• Obtain written approval from a probation officer before changing jobs.
• Do not possess, use or consume alcohol, controlled drugs or psychoactive substances.
substances except controlled drugs prescribed by a healthcare professional.
• Attend an alcohol and drug evaluation, as well as participate in any treatment or counseling led by a probation officer.

Police have previously said that when Taukolo’s violations were discovered, they were reported to the Independent Authority for Police Conduct.

– Additional reporting Sam Hurley