New Zealand convicts Bangladeshi couple after 20-year immigration, identity fraud uncovered

One of them used a family member’s identity to obtain a visa, secure employment and eventually gain citizenship, according to court filings

A New Zealand Immigration agent conducts checks at a passport counter. New Zealand Customs Service

A Bangladeshi couple has been convicted of 40 counts of immigration and identity fraud spanning two decades in New Zealand after authorities uncovered a scheme in which one of them used a family member’s identity to obtain a visa, secure employment, and eventually gain citizenship.

Jahangir Alam and Taj Parvin Shilpi were found guilty following a six-year investigation by immigration authorities, local newspaper The New Zealand Herald reports.

The verdict was delivered on Friday after a 13-day jury trial at the Auckland District Court.

According to the report, the court heard that Alam entered New Zealand using his brother’s identity, later obtaining a work permit, residency, and eventually citizenship along with two New Zealand passports. He also used this false identity to support 14 immigration applications for his wife, Shilpi, and one for his mother.

Both Alam and Shilpi knowingly provided false or misleading information in their applications to Immigration New Zealand.

Steve Watson, General Manager of Immigration Compliance and Investigations, emphasized that the conviction sends a strong message against immigration fraud.

Alam’s real name and date of birth remain unknown, as does his reason for concealing his true identity.

The couple is set to be sentenced on May 22.