A multi-agency operation in New South Wales has uncovered a highly illegal racket supplying false Australian immigration documents to would-be migrants, Immigration Minister Chris Evans has revealed.

The joint-service operation including officers from the Department of Immigration and the Australian Federal Police and other government agencies were involved in the sting, which saw a Sydney office stormed and, and the agent behind the alleged dealings taken into custody.

The agent, an Australian citizen, will now face charges for supplying hopeful foreigners with counterfeit documentation in an attempt to secure Australian skilled visas for illegal migrants, mostly from China. It is estimated that false information was provided by the agent for at least 30 migration applications.

The raid followed a series of questions being raised over the legitimacy of documentation being supplied with a number of pre-migration applications being launched with the government.

Investigations are currently underway, and should it be proven that the agent was providing fraudulent documentation, he will face up to ten years’ imprisonment under the Migration Act and the Commonwealth Criminal Code.

“Illegal activity by migration agents attacks the heart of Australia’s visa programs and will not be tolerated,” Senator Evans said, continuing, “This operation is further evidence of the government’s resolve to target migration fraud.

“People who obtain permanent visas for Australia based on falsified documentation can have their visas cancelled.”

Evans added that the operation highlighted the need for a greater level of scrutiny to be directed towards migration agents.

From 1 July, a new Office of Migration Agents Registration Authority will undertake the regulatory functions which have been operated under statutory self-regulation by the Migration Institute of Australia since 1998.

‘The will new authority will provide greater confidence to the consumers of migration advice services and remove concerns about potential conflicts of interest,’ Senator Evans said.

Overseas Emigration Visas is a recognised migration agency owned and directed by Richard Gregan, Registered Migration Agent No. 9950168.