15 Apr 2015

Trio charged with exploiting immigrants

12:00 pm on 15 April 2015

Three people have appeared in court charged with exploiting immigrant workers at an Auckland restaurant chain and supplying false information to immigration officers.

Auckland District Court

Auckland District Court Photo: RNZ / Kim Baker Wilson

They were granted interim name suppression, which also bars publication of the company involved.

The three face a total of 25 charges, including serious failures under the Minimum Wage Act as well as aiding and abetting workers to breach their visa conditions or stay in the country unlawfully.

Defence lawyer Ron Mansfield argued suppression was necessary to protect the viability of the company and the jobs of those employed there.

The two men and one woman were bailed to reappear at Auckland District Court next month, when they are due to enter pleas.