Security Guard's Licence Revoked Over Alleged Gang Affiliation

A man who was photographed wearing regalia associated with the King Cobras and participating in a protest against a ban on gang patches has had his security guard licence revoked. The decision was made by the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority, following a complaint from police.

Callum Richmond's Alleged Gang Ties

Callum Richmond, the individual at the center of the controversy, was reported to have been a patched member of the King Cobras, a criminal gang with ties to drug trafficking, fraud, and violent crimes. Police submitted evidence that included photographs of Richmond wearing a King Cobras patch in April 2024 and February 2025, as well as a picture of him protesting with other patched members outside the High Court in Auckland on November 21, 2024.

Richmond denied the allegations, stating that he had left the gang and had no ongoing association with it beyond friends and family. However, the evidence presented by police contradicted his claims, suggesting that his connection to the gang was ongoing.

King Cobras' Criminal Activities

The King Cobras are a well-known criminal gang involved in a wide range of illicit activities, including drug manufacturing, importation, and supply, as well as fraud and violent crimes such as aggravated robbery and murder. Their influence extends beyond criminal activity; they are also known to have a significant presence in the entertainment industry, particularly in the Ponsonby Rd area, where they are believed to control doormen at various venues.

Authorities have expressed concern that security workers with ties to the King Cobras may be used as conduits for drug trafficking into hospitality venues, further exacerbating the problem of drug-related crime in the area.

Revocation of Licence and Authority's Stance

Trish McConnell, a member of the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority, stated that being a patched member of the King Cobras was incompatible with the background and character requirements for security workers. As a result, Richmond’s certificate of approval was revoked.

McConnell noted that if there was evidence that Richmond had turned away from gang life, a less severe outcome might have been considered. However, the evidence provided by police demonstrated his continued association with the gang, leading to the decision to revoke his licence.

The case highlights the ongoing challenge of ensuring that individuals with criminal affiliations are not allowed to work in positions of public trust, such as security roles. It also underscores the importance of vigilance in monitoring and addressing the influence of criminal gangs in both the criminal underworld and legitimate sectors of society.