Auckland restaurant trio arrested over migrant worker exploitation

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Three people involved in the management of an Auckland restaurant chain have been arrested at their homes in the city this morning and charged with offences relating to the exploitation of migrant workers.

The charges follow an investigation by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) into allegations of exploitation of migrant workers in the restaurant industry, a statement from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment said.

The three people, who have been given name suppression, have been bailed to appear in the Auckland District Court next Wednesday.

One of the defendants faces a total of 14 charges, including exploitation and conspiracy charges relating to three migrant workers, aiding and abetting a person to remain unlawfully in New Zealand and supplying false and misleading information to an immigration officer, the statement said.

Another faces five charges, including exploitation charges relating to two workers and aiding and abetting two workers to either breach their visa conditions, or remain in New Zealand unlawfully.

The third defendant faces six charges relating to one worker, including forgery and supplying false and misleading information to an immigration officer.

Investigations were ongoing and more people could face charges, the statement said.

INZ was unable to make any further comment as the matter was now before the courts.

MBIE encouraged anyone with concerns about their employment situation to call its contact centre on 0800 20 90 20 where their call would be handled in a safe environment, the statement said.