The Australian Border Force arrested nine Indians and detained them at the Brisbane airport for allegedly claiming to be journalists covering the Commonwealth Games, The Guardian reported on Thursday.
One of the arrested people, Rakesh Kumar Sharma, allegedly facilitated the travel of eight individuals with fake accreditation. The group was presented as a media contingent on its way to attend the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games starting on April 4 in Carrara.
“Eight [people] were found to have fraudulent foreign media credentials,” the Border Force said, according to AFP. “Police will allege in court that the 46-year-old Indian national who did hold valid credentials was facilitating the group’s travel.”
Sharma has been charged with people smuggling and falsifying documents under the Migration Act, 1958. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in jail.
“Anyone wishing to enter Australia, including athletes, team officials, spectators and the media, must hold a valid visa and accreditation and must be deemed to be a legitimate visitor,” SBS quoted Commander Price as saying. “As with all travellers, the Australian Border Force will process all Commonwealth Games visitors on arrival and anyone found not to be here for legitimate purposes can expect to have their visas cancelled and to be turned around. This may occur on arrival in Australia, or prior to boarding flights to Australia.”
