Former federal MP Craig Thomson charged over alleged migration fraud
Former federal Labor MP Craig Thomson has been arrested over his alleged role in a migration fraud worth more than $2 million.
The 57-year-old was arrested at his home in Terrigal this morning, accused of facilitating more than 130 fraudulent visa applications.
The applications were focused on the food service and agriculture industries.
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Former federal Liberal MP Craig Thomson has been arrested over his alleged role in a migration fraud. Fairfax/Nine
Mr Thomson was charged with providing false documents and false or misleading information relating to non-citizens.
If found guilty he could face as much as 10 years in jail.
He was refused bail at Gosford Local Court today.
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AFP Assistant Commander Craig Bellis said the charges involved a serious breach of public trust.
Search warrants were executed on properties in nearby Wamberal, Terrigal and Copacabana, as well as in East Maitland, the Sydney suburbs of Rockdale and Revesby, and the Queensland town of Bundaberg West.
"The alleged offences in this matter involved the exploitation of Federal Government programs designed to assist Australian businesses, and it is incumbent on the AFP to investigate and prosecute instances of large-scale fraud against Australian taxpayers," he said in a statement.
The investigation involved units from the AFP, Border Force, AUSTRAC, the Australian Taxation Office and the Department of Home Affairs.
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