A Bangladeshi couple have been found guilty on 40 charges of immigration and identity fraud spanning 20 years following a six-year-long Immigration NZ investigation.
Jahangir Alam and Taj Parvin Shilpi were convicted on March 21 after a 13-day jury trial at the Auckland District Court.
The court heard how Alam used his brother’s identity to obtain a visitor visa and enter New Zealand.
He subsequently secured a work permit, residence visa and ultimately New Zealand citizenship and two New Zealand passports.
This identity was used to support 14 applications for immigration permits and visas for his wife Shilpi and one for his mother.
The application for his mother was declined and she did not enter the country.
The couple knew Alam was not using his genuine identity along with providing other false or misleading information to Immigration NZ in advancing these applications.
Alam’s real name and date of birth remain unknown as well as the reason for withholding his identity.
Immigration NZ general manager compliance and investigations Steve Watson said this conviction was significant and sent a strong message that providing fraudulent information will not be tolerated.
“This kind of offending strikes at the heart of the immigration system, undermining its integrity. We expect applicants to provide honest and complete information to show that they meet the requirements to be granted a visa, or to be allowed to enter New Zealand.”
Watson said the investigation was “extremely complex” and that he was “incredibly proud” of the dedicated team.
“We were able to identify this criminal offending, prevent further offences from being committed and ultimately hold Alam and Shilpi accountable.”
Alam and Shilpi will be sentenced on May 22.