An Auckland couple has been jailed and fined after they were found guilty of immigration fraud and migrant exploitation.
Vikram Maddan, 53, and his wife Susheel Madaan, 53, appeared at the Manukau District Court on Tuesday on six offences relating to providing false and misleading information to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) officers on work visa applications.
Five other offences relate to exploitation of three Indian migrant workers the couple had employed.
The couple and the three Auckland-based companies registered to the family pleaded guilty to 11 charges in total.
INZ say full reparation of over $91,000 has been repaid to the victims.
The Madaans and their companies, Elegant Overseas Ltd, Indian Fashion & Kraft Ltd, and Blessing Overseas Ltd import Indian merchandise for sale through the family's stores and online.
INZ said Judge Jelas gave both offenders three years imprisonment with a discount of 45 percent for their guilty pleas, good character, the reparation they paid, and showing ongoing support of family members and the community.
The discount means the end sentence would be 21 months' imprisonment or 10.5 months each to be served in home detention.
Judge Jelas fined their companies $4000 for three charges and entered a conviction and discharge for all other charges.
Immigration national investigation manager Stephanie Greathead said the couple provided false and misleading information to INZ when submitting visa applications and paid their temporary workers below the minimum wage over extended periods.
"This is an action that deliberately undermines the integrity of the immigration system."
Greathead said the victims were collectively underpaid by the couple and their companies by a "substantial amount during the terms of their employment."
Greathead said INZ take the exploitation of migrant workers "seriously and will investigate and prosecute when evidence of such activities is found."
"This conviction should act as a strong warning to anyone considering employing migrants who are not entitled to work or exploit temporary or unlawful migrants," she said.
"No form of exploitation is acceptable in New Zealand, and you will be held to account."
INZ has urged anyone who thinks either they or someone else is being exploited in the workplace to reach out.
To report a case of migrant exploitation, contact the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment exploitation reporting line on 0800 200 088. To report an issue anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
