Based on the report the committee detected at least two cases of fraud that were committed by a staff member who was handling the files even though the police were conducting an investigation. In one instance, a staff member modified the applications from category 3 to two. These modifications were made when the police returned the files to the BTA team after the January 2011 investigation into the BTA procedure was launched. The committee also found out that the staff member had over 150 applications in her possession. The report states that sometime in July 2011 a worker attempted to infiltrate documents into a file and that the worker also engaged in illicit contact with the BTA applicant. The same worker turned over the 150 BTA files and several boxes containing copies of passports of the BTA applicants and guarantors. The report further states that the person was relieved of her duties.
The committee advised the Minister to reject 46.6% of the applications that were submitted under category one. Some 683 persons applied under category one, of that amount the committee believes that 207 of the applicants met the requirements and they could be granted a category one permit.
Of the 565 persons who applied under category two the committee has advised the Minister to reject 69.5% of those applications meaning that a mere 67 persons qualified for a BTA permit under category 2.
The committee in its advice made clear that all persons who applied under category 3 must be rejected. Some 891 persons applied for a category 3 permit late last year and even though they paid the processing and other fees, the committee advised that 100% of the applications must be rejected.
The committee also submitted a breakdown on the persons whom they suspect of submitting fraudulent documents to obtain a BTA permit. Of the 683 persons who applied under category one some 38.1% of them it is believed submitted fraudulent documents. While 52.9% of the 565 persons who submitted applications under category two are suspected of submitting fraudulent documents to obtain a BTA permit. As for category three, even though the committee has advised that all 891 of the applications be rejected, they said 58.7% of the applicants submitted fraudulent documents to obtain a BTA permit.
The committee also advised the Minister of Justice to extend the BTA process to 2012 since the permits that will be issued now will expire on November 3 2011.
Click here to view the BTA Advisory Committee's Report
