Charges updated in immigration fraud case
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has closed its prosecution of alleged immigration fraud.
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Charges were withdrawn against both defendants in 2024 following a Court of Appeal decision related to another case which impacted the admissibility of evidence.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.
More information
- SFO response to Court of Appeal Decision(external link) (Media release, published 29 November 2024)
- Charges updated in immigration fraud case(external link) (media release published 18 December 2024)