Interview by: Tanaya Das
Photo inset: Eddy Kang running to avoid ABC cameras after a CTTT hearing.

The Department of Fair Trading is now actively investigating Eddie Kang.

Department of Immigration (DIBP) for months has had knowledge of Mr Eddy Kang and his various companies that charge clients ten of thousands of dollars for visas that have no chance of success and are subsequently refused. The DIBP have informed us that while they have disrupted his business model they have conceded they are powerless to stop him. .

The Department of Fair Trading alarmed by the number of complaints are making moves to act against Mr Kang. We have been informed over 20 complaints to the CTTT have been made to date and still more alledged victims are planning to lodge. From sources within the DIBP we have learned Kang lodged about 200 applications which were refused.

The Department of Fair Trading is investigating the possibility that  the contracts Kang gave to the alleged victims were fraudulent amongst many other issues.  

In many cases Kang refused to inform applicants that their applications were refused resulting in them missing appeal dates and becoming unlawful.

IMMIGRATIONews spoke to Shiva Niraula one of Mr Kang's ex-clients who was among the first to come forward to report against what she calls "Mr Kang's elaborate scam."

Bibek one of the initial few who lodged a complaint with CTTT and has been instrumental in getting the dept of fair trading to take notice of the number of people who have paid enormous sums of money says "I am so disillusioned with the dept of immigration and the NSW police, my complaints to the consumer tribunals didn't yield much results either, however when I first spoke to the investigator from fair trading I was filled with hope that finally someone would ensure a refund for us and some sort of punishment for Mr Kang but I am too scared to hope for much since we've been disappointed too many times"

Shiva has constantly spoken out against the unfairness "This has been going on for far too long, Mr Kang takes advantage of international students and temporary migrants who just want to work and have a life in Australia, I am tired of going from pillar to post complaining to the authorities when it seems like people with clout are turning a blind eye to a man who takes advantage of migrants."

Bibek and Shiva have both paid over $20,000 to Mr Kang for visas that never materialized and since then have expended more time and money trying to get a refund and ensure people know about Mr Kang.

Shiva says "Sometimes I feel disheartened and think what is the use but then I think, that's what scammers expect for us to give up. I am highly disappointed with the authorities choosing to still let Mr Kang operate and am really hoping for fair trading to do a thorough investigation. I am sure they will be appalled by the fact that this kind of scam has been operating in Australia for so long." 

Knowing that Australia is the land of fair go, there is a lot of hope that the dept of fair trading will finally ensure that measures are taken to ensure consumer rights prevail.

The Dept of Fair Trading is encouraging people with similar experiences (living Australia or outside Australia) with Mr Kang to lodge their complaints online here. Upon lodgement of the complaint an investigator will make direct contact as it is an open investigation file.

Migration Alliance has previously run stories about Eddy Kang.