Alleged bribery of public official a 'serious issue'
A border control officer and his associate allegedly received $26,500 to assist two people with immigration requirements.
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Hawke’s Bay
Two people have been charged with corruption and bribery by the Serious Fraud Office for allegedly receiving $26,500 to assist with immigration.
Immigration NZ official Meng Yam (Peter) Lim, 64, and his associate, Kooi Leng Pan, 64, appeared in the Auckland District Court today.
Mr Lim appeared on four charges of corruption and bribery by the SFO, while Ms Pan appeared on four charges of being party to the same offences.
They were remanded without plea until June 9.
The SFO alleges Mr Lim colluded with Ms Pan between February and April, 2013, to provide immigration assistance to two people after accepting $26,500.
Mr Lim was a border control officer with Immigration New Zealand, which first investigated allegations against him, before referring the matter to the SFO.
He had been based at Auckland International Airport as an immigration officer since 2008, where he would typically interview and verify passenger entry requirements to New Zealand.
Ms Pan had also worked at the airport.
SFO director Julie Read says a public official’s acceptance of bribes is a “serious issue.”
“New Zealand has low levels of corruption and bribery by international standards and it is important that we maintain this good reputation by addressing those instances that do occur.”
She says Immigration NZ promptly referred the matter to the SFO following its internal investigation.
“Cooperation between government agencies in these matters is critical to ensure we prevent corruption from flourishing and to protect New Zealand's reputation as a safe place to invest and do business.”
Hamish McNicol
Tue, 19 May 2015
Tue, 19 May 2015
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Alleged bribery of public official a 'serious issue'
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