Exploitation of Fijian workers leads to New Zealand's first people-trafficking conviction
Xinhua, September 15, 2016 Adjust font size:
A man who trafficked vulnerable Fijian workers has become the first person ever convicted of people-trafficking in New Zealand on Thursday.
New Zealander Faroz Ali had earlier admitted eight charges of helping people breach visa conditions and 18 of not paying workers the minimum wage, on the first day of his trial in the High Court in Auckland more than three weeks ago, Radio New Zealand reported.
He was also found guilty on charges of human trafficking and helping 16 Fijian workers enter the country illegally.
During Ali's trial, the court had been told the workers came to New Zealand on the promise of good wages, accommodation and food.
They had to borrow hundreds of dollars from family and friends to pay Ali and his accomplices "administrative and filing fees" for the chance to work on New Zealand orchards.
But when they arrived in New Zealand, they often had to sleep on a floor and were paid just a fraction of what was promised, said the report.
Ali would be sentenced in October, Radio New Zealand reported. Endit