By Alric Lindsay
Today, September 5, 2024, Chief Magistrate Hernandez sentenced 42-year-old Dipak Rao to 16 weeks in custody for each of the 13 guilty counts against him for possession of forged documents for Indian nationals. The sentences will run concurrently and are not accompanied by any fines.
Chief Magistrate Hernandez noted that the offences occurred from mid-2023 to early 2024 and were part of a “sophisticated operation,” possibly involving other individuals.
Regarding the other participants, Chief Magistrate Hernandez said it was “unfortunate that the authorities did not proceed with a more sophisticated investigation.”.
Given the lack of a comprehensive investigation, it is possible that other individuals in the Cayman Islands are continuing to forge documents for foreign nationals without being detected. Assuming that immigration authorities have the necessary resources, they may now need to conduct random checks on businesses in the Cayman Islands to ensure that individuals are legitimately authorized to work in the country.
Chief Magistrate Hernandez pointed out that, in Rao’s case, when the forged documents were reviewed against the immigration authorities’ system, no records were found. She emphasized that if the authorities had not discovered the situation, there would be 13 people illegally present in the Cayman Islands.
Chief Magistrate Hernandez added that despite being found guilty on all counts, Rao showed no remorse and did not assist the authorities.
It now remains to be seen what further actions the immigration authorities will take to curtail document fraud and illegal workers in the Cayman Islands.
