Bangladeshi man jailed for 20-year immigration and identity fraud, wife avoids prison

Bangladeshi man Jahangir Alam was able to obtain New Zealand citizenship and two passports using his brother’s identity. Photo / NZME

A Bangladeshi man has been jailed for his role in a 20-year-long immigration and identity fraud ruse, while his wife has avoided prison.

Jahangir Alam was sentenced to four years’ jail in the Auckland District Court last week.

His wife and co-offender Taj Parvin Shilpi received 12 months’ home detention after being granted a 20% discount for health reasons, which would otherwise have seen her jailed for two years.

The pair were found guilty of 40 charges of immigration and identity fraud after a three-week jury trial in March.

Alam had used his brother’s identity to obtain a visitor visa and enter New Zealand, later securing a work permit, residence visa and ultimately New Zealand citizenship and two New Zealand passports.

Alam also used this identity to support 14 applications for immigration permits and visas for his wife, Shilpi, and one for his mother.

The couple were aware that Alam was not using his genuine identity, along with other false or misleading information in advancing those applications to Immigration New Zealand.

“The severity of this sentence reflects the serious nature of identity and immigration fraud and demonstrates the penalties for those looking to exploit the immigration system,” said general manager immigration compliance and investigations Steve Watson.

“Those who provide false information and are dishonest in their dealings with Immigration New Zealand will be held to account for their actions.”

Alam’s real name and date of birth remain unknown, as does why he withheld his true identity.

Alam and Shilpi’s convictions came as a result of a complex six-year Immigration investigation which required collaboration with the United States, Japanese and Australian authorities.

“Immigration Compliance and Investigations would like to thank international authorities involved in this case for their assistance with this investigation and prosecution,” Watson said.

“This case is an example of how Immigration Investigations engages with global counterparts – striving to identify and hold to account those that commit crimes across international borders.”