closed | Case number:

Person accused of conspiring to deceive Afghan evacuee

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has closed its prosecution of alleged immigration fraud. 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.

Charges were withdrawn against both defendants in 2024 following a Court of Appeal decision related to another case which impacted the admissibility of evidence. Three charges remained against one of the defendants, who applied to have the remaining charges dismissed. This was granted by the court in May 2025.

Case Timeline

• Jun 2023

  Both defendants are arrested in Hamilton and appear in Hamilton District Court. They are released on bail and next scheduled to appear on 13 July.

• Jul 2023

  Defendants appear in the Hamilton District Court and enter not guilty pleas on all charges.

• Dec 2024

  Following Court of Appeal decision that impacted admissibility of evidence, all but one charge withdrawn against one defendant, who now faces one charge of obtaining by deception. All charges against the second defendant withdrawn.