Strong sentence for Operation Wentworth offender

A Hastings man has been jailed for more than 14 years following a joint investigation by New Zealand Police and Immigration New Zealand into his serious criminal offending against 2 employees.

Parminder Singh, 46, was sentenced today in Napier District Court to 14 years and 2 months’ imprisonment for rape and unlawful sexual connection. He also received sentences of 2 years’ imprisonment for migrant exploitation and 3 years’ imprisonment for stupefying, to be served concurrently.

He was the director and shareholder of Work Force J & B Ltd, a company which sources and provides labour to the horticultural sector in the Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne and Manawatū regions.

Operation Wentworth began after a victim came forward to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) with concerns about migrant exploitation and as a result of further enquiries undertaken by INZ Investigators, a joint investigation with New Zealand Police was launched.

“This outcome shows the tireless work of investigators and determination of both teams to hold Mr Singh accountable for his actions,” Jason Perry, National Manager Immigration Investigations says.

New Zealand Police and INZ acknowledge the courage of those who provided information during the investigation.

Mr Perry says all allegations of exploitation or any criminal offending are taken seriously and urges anyone who may have been a victim to report it to New Zealand Police or INZ. Alternatively, you can report it anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

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