Driver scam

A New Zealand truck driver has brought down a US legislator and sunk an immigration scam.

Missouri state legislature Republican representative Nathan Cooper, who is also an immigration lawyer, has pleaded guilty to visa fraud and making a false statement to the US Labour Department.

He faces 30 to 37 months in prison.

Cooper, 33, worked for trucking companies with shortages of drivers, obtaining at least 260 visas intended for seasonal workers. Most went to New Zealanders.

The scheme was uncovered when a New Zealand truckie, referred to as AC, tried crossing the Canadian border in early 2005.