Immigration fraud ring busted
Media Release - DPS 44/2003
Joint release with the Australian Federal Police
Three people have been arrested in Sydney in relation to an alleged immigration scam.
Internal investigation checks on visa irregularities resulted in a formal investigation by the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) earlier this year and subsequent referral to the AFP.
Following a joint investigation the AFP arrested a 52-year-old DIMIA counter officer yesterday morning.
Two Korean nationals, a man aged in his 30's and women aged in her 40's, were arrested this morning and are currently assisting police with their enquiries.
The 52-year-old man has been charged with three offences - receiving bribes as a Commonwealth public official and abuse of public office, under the Criminal Code Act 1995, and unlawfully disclosing information, under the Crimes Act 1914.
The AFP will allege that the man received bribes to improperly grant visas.
He appeared in Sydney's Central Local Court this morning and was
bailed to reappear in court on 29 July 2003.
1 July 2003
Media inquiries:
DIMIA Public Affairs: (02) 6264 2244 (bh) or 0419 442 000 (ah)
AFP Media: Steve Simpson (02) 9286 4819