A Fiji man has appeared in an Auckland court after being charged with 16 counts of people trafficking.
Immigration New Zealand is alleging that Faroz Ali, who is known as Feroz, charged 16 people large sums of money to work in New Zealand.
It said he also facilitated their unlawful entry to New Zealand and employed them, or arranged for them to be employed, in breach of visa conditions.
The 16 people also worked in what the service described as exploitative careers.
Mr Ali also faces 56 other charges under the Immigration Act.
He appeared in the Manukau District Court today and has been bailed until another appearance later this month.
The maximum penalty for people trafficking is 20 years in jail and / or a fine of $500,000.