On Tuesday, 30 January, Jafar Kurisi, the Bay of Plenty man arrested on seven charges of migrant exploitation and one attempt to pervert the course of justice, pleaded guilty to all charges.
This outcome follows an investigation into exploitation allegations by a group of migrant workers who were previously employed by Kurisi.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) officials who led the operation are pleased the Crown is now able to avoid an expensive trial involving witnesses who no longer reside in New Zealand.
In July 2020, five residential properties in the Tauranga area were searched following allegations that contracting companies were exploiting migrant workers. The searches were initiated foll
