Bangladeshi couple charged with human trafficking in New Zealand

Auckland District Court.
Auckland District Court. Photo credit: Google Maps

A married couple, who are originally from Bangladesh, have been charged with human trafficking, exploitation and other immigration charges.

The couple, who are New Zealand citizens, will appear before the Auckland District Court on Monday on charges relating to a sweet-making business they ran in Auckland, according to Immigration New Zealand.

The husband, Mohammed Atiqul faces additional charges of attempting to pervert the court of justice. He and his wife, Nafisa Ahmed, could each face up to 20 years in prison if they're found guilty of human trafficking.

The maximum penalty for exploitation, false and misleading information and aiding and abetting charges is seven years' imprisonment and/or a fine not exceeding $100,000, according to Immigration New Zealand.

The maximum penalty for attempting to pervert the course of justice - which Islam has been charged with - is seven years' imprisonment.

The trial is expected to last three weeks.

As the matter is now before the courts Immigration New Zealand said it is unable to provide any further comment.

Do you know more? Contact cleofraser@mediaworks.co.nz

Newshub.