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$10,000 to $20,000 for fake marriage visa
The Courier Mail reports that over 30 men and women’s marriages were allegedly arranged in an ‘organised and ongoing operation’ as more details of the alleged fake marriage visa scam emerge in the bail application hearing for Chetan Mohanlal Mashru, 34, and his partner Divya Krishne Gowda, in Brisbane.
Some 33 prosecution’s witnesses, bank statements and marriage certificates are expected to be part of the evidence against the Indian-born couple accused of serious migration offences, a Brisbane court heard yesterday at a bail hearing.
In opposing the bail application for the accused couple, Commonwealth prosecutors reportedly argued that “the couple ran an “organised and ongoing operation” from March 2011 to March 2012 when they allegedly charged between $10,000 and $20,000 for each marriage.
“The defendant (Gawda) profited significantly from the offences ...It’s difficult to comprehend a more serious offence of this type,” said the prosecutors.
The Courier Mail reports that initial concerns about the couple’s dealings emerged in 2012 when journalists questioned and reported the alleged scam. Thereafter, the couple reportedly left Australia and stayed abroad for over six months.
The court heard Mashru, a second year law student, did not renew his migration agent registration after it lapsed last year.
It has not been reported if the office the Migration Agents Registration Authority was aware of the earlier news reports or if the couple continued providing migration advice after those media reports.
It is not uncommon for bail to be granted where the court finds that there is no immediate risk to the community or risk of flight by the accused. The Brisbane Court has granted bail on strict conditions and the couple’s passports have been impounded. Their matters have been adjourned to the Commonwealth Callover Court in Brisbane on March 14.
For detailed coverage please refer to this link: http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/chetan-mohanlal-mashru-and-divya-krishne-gowda-accused-of-running-visa-marriage-scam-in-brisbane/story-fnihsrf2-1226826116662
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Monday, 17 February 2014
News Release from the office of Senator Michaelia Cash, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women
Marriage scam arrests
Thursday, 13 February 2014
The suspected masterminds of a fake marriage scam were arrested last night, following a lengthy investigation by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, the Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, said today.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers arrested the pair at their residence in the Brisbane suburb of Oxley and later charged them with multiple offences.
A former registered migration agent was charged with 49 offences relating to his alleged involvement in arranging fake marriages between Indian nationals and Australian citizens. Applications for spouse visas were lodged with the department, containing false information that the male suspect is alleged to have fabricated and provided to his clients.
The man's partner, a marriage celebrant, was charged with 17 offences for her role in the scam. The department alleges she performed the marriage ceremonies between Indian and Australian citizens that then formed the basis for the spouse visa applications.
'The government takes fraud allegations very seriously,' Minister Cash said.
'We will act against those who attempt to cheat our migration programmes.'
'I note that there is no evidence that visas were ever granted as a result of this scam, which is testament to the rigorous quality control and integrity processes in place at the department.'
Many of the charges faced by this couple carry a maximum of 10 years imprisonment and/or a $170 000 fine. The couple was granted bail under strict conditions ahead of their next appearance on March 14.
The department encourages the community to provide information relating to immigration and citizenship offences and fraud. For matters relating to identity crime, migration and citizenship offences, people are encouraged to contact the department on 1800 009 623 or visit the department's website at www.immi.gov.au.
For matters relating to the conduct of registered migration agents, people are encouraged to contact the Office of the MARA on 1300 226 272.
Immigration blog
Sad ending, not for these creeps but for all of those from whom they've profiteered. People who engage in this kind of behaviour must feel the full sting of the law and those who may have contemplated risky practices or whose practices are less a than a tiny bit below board must see this for what it is - a warning that this stuff eventually catches up.
In the same way that we're encouraged to be vigilant of unregistered practitioners, we should be likewise, of agents here or overseas whom we believe engage or have engaged in this kind of stuff because it's a blight on all of us.
p.s. "Where is EK - er, I meant, Wally"? Clearly not in Queensland on bail with passport impounded, is he?
Bea