Police lay charges following Golriz Ghahraman shoplifting allegations

Wednesday, 17 January 2024

Police say they have charged a 43-year-old woman following an investigation into shoplifting, and that she will appear in the Auckland District Court in February.

In a publicly released statement, police did not name the person charged, but said it related to an investigation that was “subject to ongoing public interest”.

They said it related to incidents at a Ponsonby retailer that allegedly occurred on 21 and 23 December 2023.

A group of police officers met with former MP Golriz Ghahraman in her Auckland home on Wednesday after having stood watch outside the property since the early morning.

It follows her resignation this week after multiple allegations of shoplifting emerged.

A reporter at the scene said that unmarked police vehicles had been waiting outside the house in Grey Lynn since at least 7am.

On Wednesday afternoon Ghahraman was seen greeting five police officers at the gate before entering the house with four of them.

“She looked forlorn but smiled at police when she introduced herself,” the reporter said.

A fifth officer was standing guard outside the home.

The group of police was seen leaving the house a short time later with a brown paper bag. 'Police can confirm we were at an Auckland address conducting enquiries as part of our ongoing investigation,“ a police spokesperson told Stuff.

Earlier in the day, police intercepted two visitors who had attempted to approach the house.

One had been trying to drop off flowers.

“Neighbours have said that she has been a lovely neighbour, and they feel sorry for her and wish her the best.”

Ghahraman resigned on Tuesday, effectively immediately.

In a statement, Ghahraman said she took “full responsibility”.

“It is clear to me that my mental health is being badly affected by the stresses relating to my work. This has led me to act in ways that are completely out of character. I am not trying to excuse my actions, but I do want to explain them,” she said.

“People should, rightly, expect the highest standards of behaviour from their elected representatives. I fell short. I’m sorry. It’s not a behaviour I can explain because it’s not rational in any way.”

She said she had sought professional medical help.

Green Party co-leaders James Shaw said that while being an MP was inherently stressful, Ghahraman had also been subjected to a multitude of threats online.