Mattresses lie on the floor of a three-bedroom house in Papakura, Auckland, that was being used by more than 30 migrant workers. Photo: RNZ / Blessen Tom
A licensed immigration advisor is the first to be arrested as part of investigations into the exploitation of more than 140 Indian and Bangladeshi migrants on work visas.
The workers paid between $20,000 and 40,000 for non-existent jobs and were found living in overcrowded and unsanitary homes in Auckland.
The advisor's business and home have been raided by police and Immigration New Zealand.
The person faces two charges of providing false information.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison.
Investigations are under way into other people linked to the case.
The Immigration Advisors Authority refused to disclose how many licensed immigration advisors are currently being investigated in relation to accredited employer work visa related fraud.
"We will not be commenting further while investigations are underway in order not to prejudice or undermine our enquiries," a spokesperson for the IAA said.