Minister for Innovation & Better Regulation has advised consumers to be aware of their visa dealings with the migration agency Goldman Pintex Management Pty Ltd.
According to the ministerial statement, the company targets consumers seeking a Temporary Work Visa in subclass 457 category.
Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said the warning also applied to the company’s sole director and shareholder, Yoon Seok “Joseph” Choi.
“NSW Fair Trading has received 11 complaints about the company since it registered with the Australian Securities & Investments Commission in September 2016,” says Mr Kean.
“Choi and his associates claim they will find a business sponsor for clients and lodge a work visa application with the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.
“This is in exchange for a hefty fee of up to $60,000, which is to be paid in instalments by the consumer.
“In a number of cases, where an application was denied, the trader failed to refund instalments already paid, leaving some consumers out of pocket by as much as $30,000.
“As if that wasn’t disgraceful enough, some consumers who persisted in trying to get their money back were met with abuse, threats and insults from Goldman Pintex staff.”
Fair Trading’s inquiries have revealed one of the company’s associates is Edward Kang, who was convicted on March 28 this year of multiple fraud offences and sentenced to up to 12 months jail.
Kang is on conditional bail awaiting a District Court appeal against his sentence and conviction.
“Kang was accused of running a similar dodgy visa racket, and Fair Trading believes he is involved in this one as well. Investigators have been told he is advising Goldman Pintex clients and accessing the company’s bank accounts,” Mr Kean said.
It was claimed that he was charging foreign students tens of thousands of dollars for visas that never eventuated.
The Migration Act states: "A person who is not a registered migration agent must not ask for or receive any fee or other reward for giving immigration assistance."
Fair Trading’s investigation is ongoing. To lodge a complaint or for more information, visit www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au or phone 13 32 20.
