Monday, June 8, 2026
ADVT 
International

New Zealand Identifies Nine Indian-Origin Witch Doctors

IANS, 29 Jul, 2015 12:09 PM
    The Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has identified nine Indian-origin "witch doctors" on the run after it came to light that they had duped vulnerable people, a media report said on Wednesday.
     
    Of the nine, five have already left the country, news channel 3News reported.
     
    "The individuals have been asked to respond to INZ's concerns before a decision is taken on what action to take," INZ assistant general manager Peter Devoy was quoted as saying.
     
    The "witch doctors" have targetted several people in the Indian community across the country, the channel said.
     
    An Auckland businessman recently filed a police complaint after a witch doctor duped him out of NZ$275,000 and left the country hours after receiving the cash.
     
    The black magic practitioners arrived from India on tourist or temporary work visas, revealed an undercover investigation by 3News recently.
     
    "INZ would strongly encourage people not to be taken in by anyone offering these types of services," Devoy said.
     
    The wall-to-wall advertisements promoting the so-called healers have been removed.
     
    In an earlier report, the news channel said that many of the fraudsters start with a $20 visit fee and guarantee 100 percent results, before going on to charge thousands to heal or bring back a lost lover.

    MORE International ARTICLES

    Indian-American Professor To Lead NYU's Prison Education Initiative

    Indian-American Professor To Lead NYU's Prison Education Initiative
    Nikhil Pal Singh, an Indian American professor, is leading a unique New York University initiative to bring college education to the inmates of a medium-security prison in New York state.

    Indian-American Professor To Lead NYU's Prison Education Initiative

    Still Shrinking: New Record Low For Extent Of Arctic Sea Ice: Monitoring Agency

    Still Shrinking: New Record Low For Extent Of Arctic Sea Ice: Monitoring Agency
    The U.S.-based National Snow and Ice Data Center says the ice appears to have reached its maximum spread for the winter.

    Still Shrinking: New Record Low For Extent Of Arctic Sea Ice: Monitoring Agency

    Beyond Bombing, Critics Ask: What's The Plan To Defeat The Islamic State?

    Beyond Bombing, Critics Ask: What's The Plan To Defeat The Islamic State?
    OTTAWA — A decision by the federal cabinet on renewing Canada's combat mission against the Islamic State is expected soon, but calls are getting louder for the Harper government to present a comprehensive war strategy beyond the military campaign.

    Beyond Bombing, Critics Ask: What's The Plan To Defeat The Islamic State?

    A Glimpse Into The Future With A Bendable Canada-US Border

    A Glimpse Into The Future With A Bendable Canada-US Border
    WASHINGTON — For a glimpse into the future of the Canada-U.S. border, talk to Randy Powell. He's seen some of the new ways travellers might soon be clearing customs under a binational agreement announced this week. 

    A Glimpse Into The Future With A Bendable Canada-US Border

    'Kirpan' Should Be Permitted On Planes: New Zealand Sikh MP

    'Kirpan' Should Be Permitted On Planes: New Zealand Sikh MP
    New Zealand parliament's first Sikh MP has called for a legislation to allow carrying of the kirpan -- a Sikh ceremonial dagger -- while travelling in planes.

    'Kirpan' Should Be Permitted On Planes: New Zealand Sikh MP

    Beeline For Indian Schools In Muscat; 1,900 Waitlisted

    Beeline For Indian Schools In Muscat; 1,900 Waitlisted
    The first merit list for admissions to Indian schools in Oman's capital Muscat brought with it sleepless nights for parents from the Indian community, with 1,900 applications being kept on the waiting list, media reported on Tuesday.

    Beeline For Indian Schools In Muscat; 1,900 Waitlisted