Border Force officers lead searches on Hobart, Devonport businesses in ‘phantom’ visa scam

Australian Border Force officers have uncovered an elaborate visa and migration scam in two Tasmanian towns. Find out how they uncovered the ‘phantom’ nominations.

An Australian Border Force officer tries to confirm a business location during a recent visa scam-busting operation in Tasmania. Picture: Department of Home Affairs

Australian Border Force (ABF) officers have busted an elaborate visa and migration scam run by Tasmania businesses after an undercover investigation.

Officers from the Department of Home Affairs through profiling of numerous Tasmanian businesses across Hobart and Devonport exposed multiple cases of suspected exploitation of the Australian visa system.

The investigation found signs of “phantom” nominations and fraudulent permanent residency applications under the Employer Nomination Scheme.

This visa scheme allows skilled workers nominated by their employers to live and work in Australia permanently.

An Australian Border Force officer does checks before entering a suspected sham business location in Tasmania. Picture: Department of Home Affairs

From the information, ABF officers led targeted early morning searches of the Hobart and Devonport businesses, allowing officers to conduct staff interviews, verify people’s identities and gather critical evidence

Ultimately, the searches exposed five businesses that nominated workers as non-existent, fraudulent application documents – including falsified lease agreements – and the misuse of two legitimate business credentials for bogus visa applications.

ABF Commander Field Operations and Sponsor Monitoring Ben Biddington said this latest operation was a success in the ongoing efforts to protect Australia’s immigration system.

“Our officers are committed to identifying and stopping fraudulent activities,” he said.

“Those who attempt to exploit Australia’s visa system, through fraudulent applications and activities, will be caught.”

Commander Biddington said ABF officers would continue targeted operations throughout Australia, to protect the integrity of Australia’s visa system.

An Australian Border Force officer investigates a Tasmanian business during a recent visa scam-busting operation. Picture: Department of Home Affairs

The ABF also emphasised that resources were available to help migrant workers understand their rights and how to seek legitimate professional assistance.

They also urged migrants applying for visas and who are paying for immigration assistance to use legal practitioners or registered migration agents, who must abide by a code of industry practice and not engage in illegal behaviour.

Anyone with information relating to potential immigration offences or suspicious activity is encouraged to report online or anonymously on the Department of Home Affair’s website.