Story by Webfit News Editorial Desk

Auckland | 23 October 2025

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has completed a large-scale investigation that exposed a long-running immigration fraud network. The operation was led by Umesh Patel, a 54-year-old New Zealand citizen, who has now been sentenced to nine months of home detention and six months of post-detention conditions.

Patel pleaded guilty in the Waitākere District Court to:

  • 21 counts of providing false or misleading information under the Immigration Act 2009
  • 16 counts of forgery under the Crimes Act 1961

How the Fraud Worked

Investigators found that Patel created fake job offers and falsified company records to help foreign nationals obtain visas. While some of his businesses were genuine, he later used them to fabricate employment documents and deceive immigration authorities.

Migrants were asked to pay between NZD 10,000 and NZD 30,000 for his “services.” The funds were deposited into company accounts as supposed business income. Patel then returned the money as wages, less PAYE deductions, to make the jobs look legitimate.

According to Steve Watson, INZ’s General Manager of Immigration Compliance and Investigations, the case represented a serious breach of trust.

“This was a deliberate and exploitative scheme that undermined the integrity of New Zealand’s immigration system. It will not be tolerated.”

Network of False Directors

Patel also recruited associates, including people who had previously gained residency through his scheme. He listed them as company directors, even though they had little or no control over operations. This setup allowed him to conceal his involvement and expand his illegal network.

Watson said that such behaviour harms both genuine migrants and employers who follow the law.

“People who misuse the immigration system for personal profit will be identified and held accountable,” he added.

Protecting the Immigration System

INZ reaffirmed its commitment to fairness and transparency. Officials are continuing to assess the immigration status of individuals linked to the fraudulent applications.

Watson noted that the vast majority of migrants and employers comply with the law, but cases like this damage New Zealand’s reputation internationally. INZ has pledged to keep strengthening its compliance and investigation processes.

Reference: Immigration New Zealand (INZ) – Media Release, 23 October 2025: “Sentencing in Major Immigration Fraud Investigation.”