Mud Corruption: Cash for Visa Qualification

[Rev.Cambeul]

Curtin University to review visa language testing centre after bribes evidence

http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/curtin-bribe-allegations-grow/story-e6frg143-1226029528599?from=public_rss

CURTIN University is reviewing its involvement in providing IELTS English competency testing in light of evidence presented at a recent Corruption and Crime Commission hearing.

The state's Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC) is investigating allegations a staff member at the university was bribed to falsify results of English-language competency tests.

Applicants for permanent residency and work or students' visas must prove their competence under the International English Testing System (IELTS), which is relied upon by the Department of Immigration.

Keith Low, who came from Malaysia to Australia in 1999 as an international student, was acting coordinator of the IELTS at Curtin between February 2009 and July 2010.

In evidence last week, the hearing Mr Low agreed to falsify the test results of Vishnal Pandya in mid 2009 in exchange for money, with Mr Kader acting as a middle man.

Between March and June 2010, Mr Low received several cash payments of $1000 and $3000 from visa applicants, as well one larger sum of $7000.

He said he was unsure how much money he had made through the operation, but bank statements suggest it was more than $30,000. [more ...]

[Rev.Cambeul]

Update: http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/ex-curtin-staffer-faces-bribery-charges-over-false-english-results/story-e6frg13u-1226036087664?from=public_rss

FORMER Curtin University employee is among a group of nine people the Corruption and Crime Commission has charged with 59 bribery offences.

The charges relate to the manipulation of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) conducted at Curtin University's English Language Centre over a 12 month period to June 2010.

... in many cases, the false test reports were submitted to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship in support of an application for a visa or permanent residency in Australia.

Mr Wynn said: "The charges arose from a broader Commission investigation focused on the policies, practices and operating environment of the Curtin English Language Centre conducted in cooperation with Curtin University, IELTS Australia and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship."

The Commission's investigation, including whether English language testing has been compromised at testing centres operated by other public authorities, is continuing.


The accused [muds] are all charged with bribery offences.

They are: Kok Keith Low, 31 of Melville, (15 charges); Abdul Kader, 27, of Murdoch, (14); Pritesh Chetan Shah, 28, of Parkwood, (14);  Harinder Jit, 26, of Balga, (two); Vishal Jitendrakumar Pandya, 26, of Parkwood (five); Satinderpal Singh Gill, 23, of Joondalup (one); Navin Ramli Bhudiya, 25, of Thornlie, (three); Vimal Vinodray Majihya, 30, of Victoria Park, (two) and Rikenkumar Jentilal Vaishnani, 26, of Cannington,(three).

All nine [muds] are due to appear in Perth Magistrates Court April 13.

[Rev.Cambeul]

Corruption closes uni English test centre

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/breaking-news/corruption-closes-uni-english-test-centre/story-e6frea73-1226090893758

CURTIN University will close its English-language test centre in Bentley after a West Australian corruption hearing into the falsification of test scores for immigrants.

In March the Corruption and Crime Commission investigated allegations a staff member at the Bentley campus was bribed to falsify results of English-language competency tests.

Applicants for permanent residency and work or students' visas must prove their competence under the International English Testing System (IELTS), on which the Department of Immigration relies.

After the hearing nine people were charged with corruption offences including an employee at the centre and several intermediaries.

Curtin vice-chancellor Jeanette Hacket said an internal review found the high-stakes testing would always carry risks.

She said IELTS testing was a service to the community and not a core activity for the university.

"Curtin will continue to run tests up to and including 13 August and we are working closely with IELTS Australia to ensure everyone who has booked an English-language test at Curtin after this date can be accommodated at another venue," Professor Hacket said.