Overview
- The NSW District Court heard opening addresses this week and Mr Maguire has pleaded not guilty to a conspiracy charge that covers alleged conduct between 2013 and 2015.
- Prosecutors say 20 visa forms were lodged containing false or misleading information for 10 Chinese nationals and that eight Riverina businesses were recruited to be listed as sponsors.
- The Crown alleges Mr Maguire worked with associate Maggie Wang and migration agent Monica Hao to arrange the applications, and that business owners were offered cash incentives to take part.
- Mr Maguire’s barrister told jurors his client only referred employers seeking workers and had no role in preparing or submitting visa paperwork and therefore had no knowledge of fraud.
- The case will run for about five weeks with business owners and Department of Immigration witnesses expected to testify, and it raises questions about how employer‑nominated and regional sponsorship pathways can be abused.