Charges updated in immigration fraud case
In response to a recent Court of Appeal decision that has impacted the admissibility of evidence in this case, at a pre-trial hearing the Crown has applied to the Court to dismiss all but one charge related to an immigration fraud case.
In July 2023 the SFO charged two men, who are alleged to have taken advantage of Afghan evacuees looking to flee the Taliban, by seeking thousands of dollars in payment for evacuation services that were provided for free by the New Zealand Government.
Prosecution will continue on the remaining charge of obtaining by deception for one defendant who has pleaded not guilty. The second defendant will no longer face prosecution. The penalty on conviction for obtaining by deception under s 240 of the Crimes Act 1961 is a maximum of seven years’ imprisonment.
The defendant who has interim name suppression is next scheduled to appear for trial in November 2025.
More information
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SFO response to Court of Appeal Decision(external link) (Media release, published 29 November 2024)
About the SFO
The SFO is responsible for investigating and prosecuting serious or complex fraud, including bribery and corruption in New Zealand. With a focus on maintaining integrity and trust in the financial system, the SFO has developed strategic areas of focus to ensure it has the greatest impact with the cases it takes in. These are reviewed and updated every 12-18 months. SFO Strategic Areas of Focus(external link)