Commonwealth Games: Indian journalists, eight others detained at Brisbane Airport
What's the story
An Indian journalist in Australia has been charged with people smuggling after he helped a "fake media contingent" of eight other Indians arrive in Brisbane to cover the Commonwealth Games, authorities said on Thursday.
Rakesh Kumar Sharma, 46, was detained at the Brisbane Airport yesterday along with his eight Indian companions whose accreditation was allegedly not genuine, Australian Border Force said.
Here's more.
Smuggling people
Sharma charged under Migration Act 1958, people smuggling
According to an ABF statement, Sharma, 46, has been charged with offenses under the Migration Act 1958, including people smuggling, after he allegedly facilitated the travel of a "fake media contingent" to attend the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games next week.
Nine individuals who arrived at Brisbane Airport held Temporary Activity Visas and claimed to be accredited media representatives to cover the Commonwealth Games.
Fake journalists
Eight of them had fraudulent foreign media credentials
ABF Airline Liaison Officer (ALO) in Bangkok had flagged the group on transit through Thailand on suspicion that they may be "non-genuine travelers", the statement said.
They were questioned by ABF officers on arrival in Brisbane and eight were found to have fraudulent foreign media credentials, it said.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers arrested and charged Sharma who appeared in Brisbane court today.
Penalty
Sharma, who had valid credentials was facilitating the group's travel
The maximum penalty for these offenses is 20 years imprisonment.
The police will allege in court that Sharma who did hold valid credentials was facilitating the group's travel.
ABF Regional Commander Queensland Terry Price said while the forces were working hard to ensure smooth entry for legitimate Commonwealth Games visitors, attempts to exploit the event and Australia's visa program will not be tolerated.
Valid Visa
Anyone wishing to enter Australia, must hold a valid visa
"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," Commander Price said.
"As with all travelers, the ABF will process all Commonwealth Games visitors on arrival and anyone found for illegitimate purposes can expect to have their visas canceled and to be turned around."
Travelers of concern
Skilled network of ALOs present can identify travelers of concern
"We have a skilled network of ALOs at key overseas international airports who can identify travelers of concern and stop them traveling or, as in this case, provide real-time information to alert colleagues onshore," Price said.
"The ABF remains highly alert to other similar attempts that may occur as we get closer to the start of the Commonwealth Games," he added.
2018 Commonwealth Games
2018 Commonwealth Games, will be held from April 4-15
AFP Manager Aviation Warwick Macfarlane said the security measures in the lead-up and duration of the Commonwealth Games will be a collaborative effort between law enforcement and domestic partner agencies.
While the eight Indians have been taken into immigration detention, Sharma is taken into custody to be produced before in court on April 6.
The 2018 Commonwealth Games, will be held from April 4-15.