New investigation of Sroubek case

Immigration New Zealand has been asked to investigate drug smuggler Karel Sroubek’s residency application.

It is understood the investigation, which would likely be done by Immigration NZ’s compliance team, would focus on new allegations that Sroubek had already been back to the Czech Republic, and his ex-wife no longer supports his application.

The probe comes after Immigration Minister Iain LeesGalloway revealed on Wednesday that ‘‘new information’’ existed that ‘‘directly contradicted’’ what he used to make his decision – but would not reveal details.

The drug smuggler was granted residency instead of being deported after serving his prison sentence. Lees-Galloway made the special residency decision, even though the 37-yearold Czech national came to New Zealand on a false passport.

Lees-Galloway said he wanted Immigration NZ to report to him within three weeks.

It would be investigating if evidence exists that contradicts the information he had.

‘‘As a decision maker I cannot rely on innuendo, hearsay or speculation, but these allegations certainly are concerning for me.

‘‘I therefore have instructed Immigration NZ to investigate these allegations to obtain the veracity of that information.’’

Sroubek fled to New Zealand with a friend’s passport in 2003.

He claimed he was on the run from corrupt police after witnessing a murder.

It has been reported that Sroubek had already been back to the Czech Republic – which would mean his claim he’d be hunted down if he returned to his home country doesn’t ring true.

Newstalk ZB is reporting the new information centres on Sroubek’s ex-wife who no longer supports him staying.

Meanwhile, Sroubek’s lawyer Simon Laurent told ZB, he had not filed for residency.

‘‘Just to clarify, I acted in respect of the application for cancellation of deportation liability not for residence. The residence was a consequence of the direct minister decision.’’