‘Old boys’ network’ suspected in Indian student market

Wellington:

One man is suspected of controlling a large part of the Indian student market and taking a cut of commissions paid to many of the agents who recruit students, Immigration New Zealand documents show.

The man is believed to be working with two others to operate a network of agents in India. “Information from the Indian community in Auckland indicates [name redacted] ‘controls everything’, although he requires others to complete the work to maintain a clean appearance,” a document said.

“His system is referred to as an ‘old boys network’ and [name redacted] gets a cut of everything.”

The document said the man and his two associates ran a company to “cater to agents as advised by colleges” and some institutions would only accept students from agents affiliated to the company.

“It is possible PTEs [private training establishments] are aware of [name redacted] business practices, but believe [name redacted] has a stronghold over the agent and student market in India. It is possible they are hesitant to act against him as they believe it may impact the volume of students enrolling in the schools.”

has identified the three men, but has chosen not to name them for legal reasons.

The document said institutions might think the men’s company was managing the selection and visa application process for their students.