Nearly 2,700 foreigners, brokers caught in illegal entry scam in 2008

SEOUL, Jan. 14 (Yonhap) -- A total of 2,675 foreigners and immigration brokers were caught last year attempting to enter the country illegally through Incheon International Airport, the Justice Ministry's airport immigration office said Wednesday.

Of them, 23 were arrested on charges of violating national immigration law while
163 others were booked, said the office.
In early 2008, 28 brokers, including Korean religious leaders, were caught trying
to smuggle as many as 398 Nepalese workers disguised as Buddhist monks into South
Korea, according to the office. The bogus Nepalese monks went underground and
worked illegally in Seoul.
"Brokers usually set up a fake company and send invitations to the immigrant
laborers as it is the easiest way to get a visa," said the official.
A Chinese trafficker prosecuted in June last year was accused of inviting 45
Chinese workers to South Korea through a paper company established in southern
Seoul. He received some 8 million won (US$6,000) from each worker, the official
said, adding the government is seeking to crack down on the systemic loopholes.
brk@yna.co.kr
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