A Bangladeshi couple, who are New Zealand citizens, are facing charges of people trafficking.

Source: istock.com

The couple appeared in the Auckland District Court on today, for allegedly arranging by deception the entry of two Bangladeshi nationals into New Zealand.

The defendants and victims have all been granted interim name suppression.

An additional 28 charges have been laid against one of the defendants relating to the exploitation of five workers on temporary entry visas, including giving misleading information to an immigration officer, according to Immigration New Zealand (INZ).

The other defendant has a further 11 charges, including aiding and abetting to breach visa conditions.

People trafficking is punishable under the crimes act with up to 20 years in prison, and a fine of $500,000 or both.