AFP-Led Investigation Exposes Regional Migration Visa Fraud

More than $583,000 has been forfeited to the Commonwealth following a multi-agency investigation into a regional migration visa fraud scheme. The case centred on a 61-year-old man from New South Wales' Central Coast, who was sentenced in the NSW District Court in December 2025 to four years' imprisonment, with a non-parole period of two and a half years.

The investigation was led by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and involved the Australian Border Force (ABF), the Department of Home Affairs, AUSTRAC, and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The total amount forfeited, $583,146.44, will be transferred to Australia's Confiscated Assets Account for redirection toward crime prevention and law enforcement programs.

What the Fraud Involved

Investigators alleged that payments were received by the offender for facilitating visa applications containing false information submitted to immigration authorities. The offences occurred between July 2017 and May 2020 and included providing false documents to officials exercising powers under the Migration Act 1958.

The Supreme Court of New South Wales ordered the forfeiture of $117,000 on 1 June 2026 after the man admitted the funds were proceeds of the offending. Some of the funds had been used to acquire additional assets before being restrained by the AFP-led Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce (CACT).

The CACT has restrained more than $1.3 billion in criminal assets since July 2019, including real estate, luxury vehicles, artwork, and yachts.

Why Regional Visa Fraud Targets 491 and 494 Applicants

The investigation referenced the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme, which encompasses visa subclasses including the Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) and Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional) visas. These pathways attract fraud because they offer a route to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa and carry significant demand among applicants who may be unfamiliar with Australian immigration processes.

Fraudulent operators typically offer guaranteed nominations, fabricated employer sponsorships, or falsified skills assessments. Applicants who pay for such services face severe consequences, including visa cancellation, a three-year or permanent bar from re-entry, and potential criminal liability under the Migration Act.

How to Identify and Avoid Visa Fraud

Protecting yourself begins with verifying who you engage for immigration assistance. In Australia, only registered migration agents (listed on the OMARA register) and Australian legal practitioners are legally permitted to provide immigration assistance for a fee.

The following warning signs are consistent with fraudulent visa schemes:

• Promises of guaranteed visa outcomes or state/territory nominations
• Requests for large upfront cash payments outside formal invoicing
• Instructions to sign documents without full explanation of content
• Claims of insider access to the Department of Home Affairs
• Pressure to provide false employment records, qualifications, or addresses

If you are asked to submit documents you know to be false, you are at risk of committing an offence under section 487E of the Migration Act, regardless of whether you were deceived by a third party.

What to Do If You Suspect Fraud

Report suspected immigration fraud to the AFP via the ReportCyber portal or to the Department of Home Affairs' Immigration Dob-In Line. If you have already submitted an application that contained information you did not verify, seek independent legal advice immediately. Voluntary disclosure at an early stage may be a relevant factor in any subsequent enforcement action.

Key Takeaways

• A NSW man received a four-year prison sentence and $583,146.44 was forfeited to the Commonwealth following regional migration visa fraud.
• The fraud involved false documents submitted under the Migration Act in connection with regional visa applications.
• 491 and 494 visa applicants are frequently targeted due to the complexity and demand of regional migration pathways.
• Only registered migration agents and Australian legal practitioners may lawfully provide paid immigration assistance.
• Applicants who knowingly submit false information face visa cancellation, re-entry bars, and criminal prosecution.
• Suspected fraud should be reported to the AFP or the Department of Home Affairs immediately.

The content of this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a registered Australian migration lawyer. For full terms governing use of this website and its content, please refer to our Website Terms and Conditions.

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