Shuchen “Ace” Liu, a prominent Auckland construction company owner, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for leading a large-scale drug syndicate. His wife, Xiuxiu Hao, was sentenced to 10 months of home detention after being convicted of money laundering over $200,000. The sentencing took place at Auckland District Court, where Liu and Hao appeared together.
Judge Kirsten Lummis emphasized that Liu used his legitimate construction business as a facade for his luxurious lifestyle, which was funded by his illicit activities involving methamphetamine and MDMA, specifically the popular “Pink Porsche” ecstasy pills.
Liu, 36, was known for flaunting his wealth, including driving a $630,000 Ferrari and owning multimillion-dollar properties in Auckland’s upscale suburbs. However, it was discovered that his fortune was largely derived from his involvement in the distribution and manufacturing of methamphetamine and MDMA. His wife, Hao, initially faced serious drug-related charges but avoided imprisonment due to their young child and her lesser role in the operation.
Liu’s criminal empire included a secret meth lab and pill press in a warehouse in St Johns, where he manufactured large quantities of the “Pink Porsche” pills. Despite the defense’s attempt to downplay his role, Judge Lummis noted that Liu was the “big thinker” behind the syndicate, expanding the operation with the help of associates, including a corrupt courier.
The investigation, which began in 2020, uncovered extensive communications between Liu and his associates, showing the scale of the drug trade. Authorities seized significant quantities of drugs, cash, and illegal weapons during the raids, further linking Liu to large-scale trafficking.
While Liu pleaded guilty to various charges, including the manufacturing and supplying of methamphetamine, as well as possessing firearms, the defense argued for a reduced sentence, citing his lack of prior convictions and his family background. However, Judge Lummis rejected the argument, stating that Liu’s primary motivation was profit, which led him to disregard the impact of his actions on others.
In sentencing, Liu was ordered to pay restitution, including $230,000 to a local trust for the damage caused to the warehouse where the drugs were manufactured. Despite the severity of the case, the judge acknowledged Liu’s potential for rehabilitation, given his lack of previous criminal history and his family situation.
Liu’s wife, Hao, was given a sentence of home detention, in part due to her role in supporting her husband while caring for their child. Although she claimed to be unaware of the full extent of Liu’s operations, evidence suggested she was complicit in the laundering of drug proceeds.
Both Liu and Hao’s lives have been dramatically altered as a result of the convictions, with their luxurious lifestyle now a stark contrast to their new realities.
