Two visa agents in Thailand are facing accusations of helping people obtain work in New Zealand illegally. A company named AEC Thai Development Co., Ltd, led by Jirasin Bunyasing, is alleged to have provided fake bank statements and employment letters to visa applicants, especially those seeking rural jobs in New Zealand.
The investigation revealed more than 100 cases where individuals intended to enter New Zealand for illegal work in agriculture and vineyards. Following a search by the Royal Thai Police, Bunyasing confessed on video to tampering with documents. Moreover, evidence of fraudulent applications to Australia, the United Kingdom, and South Korea was uncovered. The agency charged a fee of THB 25,000 (approximately NZD$1,140) for these fake documents, with no refunds if the applications were rejected.
Initially charged with fraudulent computer use, Bunyasing and an employee are now under scrutiny. Geoff Scott, National Manager for Risk and Verification, praised this as a significant example of international cooperation in tackling visa fraud and human smuggling.
Scott warned other visa agents that operating unlawfully would not be tolerated and that they would be identified and face consequences, working with law enforcement both nationally and internationally.
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