Man accused of selling fake passports to Pacific Islanders charged

The man at the centre of an alleged visa scam has been arrested by police.

Gerard Otimi has been charged with three counts of deception.

Detective Inspector John Timms said Mr Otimi was found this morning after three search warrants were executed in the Manukau area.

He said $40,000 cash and $5,000 blank hapu certificates were found.

Mr Timms said certificates with peoples' names on them were also found but he could not say how many.

Mr Timms appealed to people who had paid Otimi money for a stamp in their passports to come forward.

However, asked if people with immigration problems would be granted amnesty, Mr Timms said he could give no such guarantees.

He said Immigration NZ would look into each victim's case.

"I can't give any amnesty here today, but all I can say is that myself and Immigration New Zealand encouraged these people to come forward."

Mr Timms said three people had made complaints to the police about Otimi, who was interviewed by police today.

"They have information that will help us prosecute Mr Otimi, help us with our investigations."

Mr Tims described the people "preyed upon" by the alleged scam as "vulnerable".

He said there was a lot to do in the police investigation.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Pizzini said police will try to reimburse people taken in by the alleged scam.

Mr Pizzini said Otimi had been co-operating with the police investigation.

"He's a very passionate man who believes in his cause. He has welcomed the police investigation and he is looking forward to having certain issues being played out in the criminal court," he said.

Mr Pizzini said further charges could be laid against Otimi.

Otimi has been under investigation by police for allegedly selling fake passports and visas to over-stayers from the Pacific Islands.

The scam has been slammed as "disgusting" by politicians.

Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples said the fake passports and visas carried a crown crest as well as the organisers' own flag and crest.

"I really, really feel for the Pacific Island people who have been duped in this way," Mr Sharples said.

Pacific Island Affairs Minister Georgina te Heuheu urged victims to go to the police.

"It's deplorable that anyone would do this to some of the most vulnerable people in our country," she said.

- with NZPA