More than 100 cases of visitors were being lined up by Thai visa agents to work illegally in the horticulture and viticulture sectors in New Zealand, it has been revealed.
Immigration New Zealand identified the cases after an investigation into two agents in Thailand who were providing fake documents for visitor and visa applicants.
It was alleged AEC Thai Development Co., LTD, run by Jirasin Bunyasing, had been issuing false bank statements and employment letters for the applicants.
Their primary focus was on rural workers. Bunyansing was aided by Kanthaya Translation, which also advertised fake flight tickets on its Facebook page.
Follow the execution of a warrant search by the Royal Thai Police, Bunyasin made a full confession on video including demonstrating how documents were fraudulently altered.
The Royal Thai Police found evidence of a “large number” of fraudulent applications to Australia, the UK, and South Korea. The agent was charging THB 25,000 ($1140 NZD) for the fraudulent evidence, with no refund if they were declined.
The initial charges against Bunyasing and one of his employees were for fraudulent use of a computer.
Geoff Scott, INZ national manager for risk and verification, said this was a great example of international cooperation in the fight against people smuggling and visa fraud.
“This operation has assisted both New Zealand and Thailand in combating potential migrant exploitation, which could have occurred had these people travelled to New Zealand to work illegally.
“This helps set an example to other visa agents who believe they can get away with not following the rules and operating with impunity and anonymity,” Scott said.
“We can find out who they are and, working with law enforcement in New Zealand and internationally, ensure they face appropriate consequences.”