successful criminal prosecution related to the operations of the now-defunct Sydney International College of Business (SICB) serves as a timely reminder that fraudsters in the international student sector will be caught.
It is the first criminal conviction in Australia arising from an investigation into large-scale fraud allegedly involving a college and large numbers of students using false qualifications to obtain permanent residence.
Mr
Shao Wen Yin, a former student at the college, was found guilty last Tuesday (July 6) on two counts of supplying false documents – two educational qualifications, one in hospitality (commercial cookery) from the college– with intent to fraudulently obtain an Australian permanent resident visa. He was sentenced to 200 hours’ community service.
A spokesman for the Department of Immigration and Citizenship said the supply of false documents in relation to migration applications is fraudulent and criminal activity would not be tolerated.
The spokesman said the government has ramped up integrity measures, which can include closer checking of work experience claims of students seeking permanent residency.
The department is also progressing several other investigations into allegations about individuals who are coordinating the production of false work documents, to support permanent migration applications.
“The government is committed to maintaining the integrity of Australia’s migration and visa programs. All allegations of fraudulent behaviour are taken seriously and appropriate action taken,” the spokesman said.
“This conviction sends a clear warning that the department will pursue the prosecution of people at all levels of organised scams, whether they operate educational institutions, people who provide migration advice without being registered or people gaining advantage from these practices.”
The prosecution is the first of a series of criminal actions related to immigration fraud at the SICB that have been instigated by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) as a result of DIAC investigations.
Four arrest warrants have been issued in relation to two people, Australian citizens, alleged to be giving immigration assistance when not registered migration agents and two other students, as well as a court attendance notice authorised for a third student – all part of the same investigation.
Penalties for being involved in immigration fraud range from fines and community service orders to jail sentences of up to 10 years.
http://www.newsroom.immi.gov.au/media_releases/830