Visa hopefuls have been warned to stay away from a North Sydney migration agency that the NSW government says has left its former clients thousands of dollars out of pocket.
Better Regulation Minister Matt Kean said Fair Trading had received 11 complaints about Goldman Pintex Management Pty Ltd, which offers its services to those seeking 457 visas but stands accused of ripping off former clients instead.
The company, which trades as Goldman Pintex Migration, has also been connected to Sydney businessman Eddie Kang, who is awaiting appeal on multiple fraud offences.
Mr Kean's warning extended to dealings with Yoon Seok "Joseph" Choi, who has been listed as the company's sole director since it was registered in September last year.
"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," Mr Kean said.
"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."
One client, Bivek Nath Mishra, is yet to see most of his money almost three months after Goldman Pintex was ordered to refund him $31,000 paid for "visa assistance services".
"Altogether I got $2500," Mr Mishra told SBS News.
In June, Mr Mishra paid the company in three instalments of $5000, $20,000 and $6000, but sought a full refund days later after discovering it was connected to Kang.
Kang, who was a director of 20 other registered companies, was convicted of multiple fraud offences in March. He was sentenced to up to 12 months jail but is on conditional bail awaiting appeal.
Mr Kean said Fair Trading believed Kang, who was charging foreign students tens of thousands for Australian residency sponsorship deals that never eventuated, was involved in this company as well.
"Investigators have been told he is advising Goldman Pintex clients and accessing the company's bank accounts," he said.
The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal also found the company was connected to Kang when Mr Mishra launched action after Goldman Pintex refused to refund his money.
"The tribunal is satisfied that Kang is the controller of the respondent company," it said.
"Mr Choi confirmed that is the case.
"The tribunal accepts it was misleading that the connection of Kang to the company was not disclosed prior to the parties entering into the contract."
Mr Mishra said despite NCAT decision ordering he be refunded before the end September, he had only received $2500 of his $31,000. Kang had stopped returning his calls, he said.
"Before he used to pick my call now he has blocked my number," Mr Mishra said, who used his savings, money borrowed from family and took on debt to pay Goldman Pintex.
Despite his losses, Mr Mishra said he was "very happy" the minister was taking action.
"Other people also will get aware ... they should not have any type of contact with them," he said.
SBS News sought comment from Mr Choi, Kang and Global Pintex.
Fair Trading's investigation is ongoing.
Article by Leesha McKenny appeared on SBS
