Alleged visa racket suspect detained, refused bail

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
A WOMAN allegedly involved in a visa racket was arrested and charged with conspiracy to defraud and stealing on Saturday, Gordon police station minor crimes officer Snr Const Philip Otto says.
“The suspect was arrested at Vision City at 2pm by the special immigration task force team,” Snr Const Otto said.
“She has been detained at the Boroko Police Station and refused bail and more arrest will soon be made.”
Meanwhile, special immigration task force team leader John Bria said the alleged offender was accused of being part of a visa racket that involved officers from the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority (PNGICA).
“This is the fourth suspect,” Bria said.
“The others are now appearing before the Waigani District Court for committal process.”
Bria said according to intelligence reports, more than 100 illegal visas were issued since January to foreigners by members of the organised visa racket involving immigration officers, visa agents and foreigners.
“Since the investigation started, the team has been conducting surveillance on the racket and recently arrested a suspect at the Vision City car park with a Bangladeshi.
“Police investigations revealed that over K500,000 in state revenue was lost as members of the racket avoided paying Government fees to produce visas illegally,” Bria said.
Early this year, three suspects involved in the visa fraud were charged with similar offences.
“These three suspects involved two Papua New Guineans and an Australian and the recent arrest is the fourth suspect who is a Papua New Guinean,” Bria said.