Peters Calls for Dotcom Immigration Inquiry

New Zealand First has called for the Prime Minister to set up an immediate inquiry into how a convicted German national who changed his name to Dotcom was allowed by immigration authorities to settle in New Zealand.

Dotcom, who was previously known as Kim Schmitz and three others were arrested by New Zealand police at a luxury mansion north west of Auckland as part of a United States operation against Internet piracy.

A weapon described as a sawn off shotgun was reportedly seized during the arrest.

Rt Hon Winston Peters says it is hard to understand how Dotcom passed the “good character” requirements for New Zealand residency.

“It has been reported that Dotcom is known in Germany as a notorious computer hacker and has been convicted of insider trading yet immigration authorities let him settle here under the so-called investor-plus category.

“The prime minister should order an immediate inquiry by a qualified person to see who was involved in this immigration scandal and ensure that it doesn’t happen again.”

Mr Peters says for many years he has been raising issues surrounding the “slack” practices of the Immigration Service.

“We’ve even found Saddam Hussein’s henchmen living peacefully in Auckland and dozens of others who should not be here cluttering up the system.

“Dotcom and his friends should be sent packing and Mr Key should also talk to his MPs to make sure none of them made representations on behalf of Dotcom.

“He was living in an area called Coatesville, which is within Mr Key’s electorate.”

ENDS

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