A joint agency investigation has today led to the arrest of a 57-year-old man from the NSW Central Coast for allegedly being the primary facilitator of a multi-million dollar migration fraud.
The man was arrested by Australian Federal Police members at his Terrigal residence this morning. He has been refused bail and is expected to appear before Gosford Local Court tomorrow (18 November 2021).
A whole-of-government investigation – led by the AFP and comprising the Australian Border Force (ABF), AUSTRAC, the Australian Taxation Office and Department of Home Affairs – found evidence of an alleged scheme intended to defraud legitimate visa programs. It was triggered by an ABF investigation into allegations of significant visa and migration fraud, dating to August 2019.
The man allegedly facilitated more than 130 fraudulent visa applications – focusing on the food service and regional farm worker industries – over four years, resulting in more than $2 million being gained from this activity.
A total of nine search warrants were executed by AFP and ABF officers in relation to this investigation on 21 July 2021, at premises in Wamberal, Terrigal and Copacabana on the NSW Central Coast, in the Sydney suburbs of Revesby (two locations) and Rockdale (two locations), and at East Maitland, NSW, and Bundaberg West, Queensland. Additional search warrants were executed today on the man’s Terrigal residence today, and at a Tuggerah premises.
The 57-year-old man was charged with multiple fraud related offences.
- One count of providing false documents and false or misleading information etc. relating to non-citizens, contrary to Section 234(1)(a) of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth). Maximum penalty 10 years’ imprisonment;
- 19 counts of providing false documents and false or misleading information etc. relating to non-citizens, contrary to Section 234(1)(c) of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth). Maximum penalty 10 years’ imprisonment;
- One count of referring a lawful non-citizen for work in breach of a work-related condition, contrary to Section 245 AEA of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth). Maximum penalty two years’ imprisonment;
- Five counts of prohibition on asking for or receiving a benefit in return for the occurrence of a sponsorship-related event, contrary to Section 245AR of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth). Maximum penalty two years’ imprisonment;
- Two counts of obtaining a financial advantage by deception, contrary to Section 134.2 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). Maximum penalty 10 years’ imprisonment;
- One count of dealing with proceeds of crime, contrary to Section 400.5(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). Maximum penalty 15 years’ imprisonment; and
- One count of dealing with proceeds of crime, contrary to Section 400.4(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). Maximum penalty 20 years’ imprisonment.
Investigations are continuing into other potential criminal offences and further arrests have not been ruled out.
AFP a/Commander Investigations, Eastern Command, Craig Bellis said the charges laid in this matter involved a serious breach of public trust.
“The alleged offences in this matter involved the exploitation of Federal Government programs designed to assist Australian businesses, and it is incumbent on the AFP to investigate and prosecute instances of large-scale fraud against Australian taxpayers,” he said.
“Anyone with any information about this or other migration fraud offences is encouraged to contact the AFP on 131 237, or 131 AFP.”
ABF Assistant Commissioner East and Port Operations, Erin Dale, said the ABF takes a zero-tolerance approach to anyone trying to profit through the exploitation of vulnerable foreign workers.
“This investigation demonstrates the unwavering resolve of the ABF and AFP in preventing the exploitation of foreign workers in Australia. ‘Cash for visa’ schemes as they are often known, target vulnerable visa holders who may not be aware of Australian laws and workplace entitlements”, she said.
“Together, the ABF and AFP will continue to pursue facilitators of visa and migration fraud, while protecting foreign workers who play a vital role within the Australian community”.
AUSTRAC National Manager Michael Tink said AUSTRAC led in-depth financial analysis and traced funds that identified more than $2 million in income likely derived from fraud-related offences.
“This demonstrates financial reporting from industry combined with AUSTRAC’s specialist financial analysis plays an instrumental role in detecting and stopping criminals seeking to defraud government programs.”
