5 December 2024 : A joint operation between Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and Thailand’s Royal Thai Police Cybercrime Division and Central Investigation Bureau has led to legal action against eight fraudulent visa agents operating in Thailand.
Thai authorities have pressed charges against eight visa agents who were caught using fake documents to facilitate visitor visa applications for individuals from rural Thailand intending to work in New Zealand. These agents were also found to be scamming victims by selling forged New Zealand Residence Class visas. Thai law enforcement conducted coordinated raids at five locations, seizing vehicles, gold, bank records, and counterfeit documents.
This large-scale visa fraud was initially uncovered by an INZ staff member stationed in Thailand.
“This operation sends a strong warning to visa agents who think they can break the rules and remain anonymous,” said Geoff Scott, National Manager of Risk and Verification at INZ.
“We can identify and locate such individuals and will continue to work with local authorities to hold them accountable,” he added.
The fraud network not only submitted over 70 fake visa applications but also deceived individuals into purchasing counterfeit New Zealand residence e-visas. Investigations revealed that the fraudulent operations were linked to a single agency network that used a front company to attract individuals by promising high-paying jobs in New Zealand.
The money collected from victims was laundered through multiple accounts and properties to hide its origins. During the investigation, evidence emerged of another scam targeting South Korea, involving over 450 Thai victims. This led to the arrest of a South Korean fugitive in Thailand.
“This is a great example of how international cooperation can combat scams, visa fraud, and people smuggling,” said Mr. Scott.
“These criminal networks rely on governments not sharing information, but in this case, their strategy failed.”
How to Protect Yourself
- Verify your visa: If someone claims you have been granted a New Zealand visa, use the official Visa Verification Service to confirm its authenticity.
- Report scams: If you suspect a scam, report it to local authorities, or if you are in New Zealand, use the Own Your Online website for reporting.
- Stay informed: Protect yourself from immigration fraud by only working with licensed immigration advisers.
How to Avoid Visa Fraud
Visa fraud can have serious consequences, including financial loss, legal issues, and denied applications. Immigrants can protect themselves by always working with licensed immigration advisers who are authorized and trained to provide accurate, ethical, and legal advice for their immigration needs.
Licensed advisers are registered with the appropriate regulatory authorities and follow strict professional standards to ensure your application process is secure and legitimate.
When considering a visa application:
- Verify the credentials of the adviser or agent you are working with.
- Use official immigration channels, such as Immigration New Zealand’s website or Visa Verification Service, to confirm the authenticity of your visa.
- Report any suspected scams to local authorities or through New Zealand’s official reporting platforms, like the Own Your Online website.
By staying informed and vigilant, you can safeguard your immigration journey. Don’t take risks—trust only licensed professionals to guide you through the process and ensure a smooth pathway to achieving your New Zealand dreams.
Reference
About ICL Immigration
ICL Immigration, based in Auckland, is an established licensed immigration adviser with over 20 years of experience and a remarkable 97% approval rate. We’ve helped over 1,000 immigrants realise their New Zealand settlement dreams.
We specialise in a broad spectrum of visa services, including work, residency, student visas, and business-related services like employer accreditation, ensuring personalised solutions for individuals and businesses aiming to navigate New Zealand’s immigration landscape successfully.
