Currently under trial at Brisbane District Court is the case of Indian-Australian couple Chetan Mashru and his celebrant wife Divya Gowda have been accused of running a marriage scam for a visa.
On Tuesday, an Australian bride who was part of this scam, testified in the court.
25-year-old Leilani Rose May had never met him before, but married Amritpal Singh in 2011 with the help of migration agent Mashru and his wife Gowda with a promise of financial payment every week.
Singh paid $1000 cash to May on the day of their wedding and $250 every week later on, in return for May agreeing to marry him.
Divya Gowda (left) and Chetan Mashru (right). Source: AAP Image/Dan Peled
It is alleged that this ‘marriage' helped Singh extend his stay in Australia on a spousal visa.
The duo got married by signing documents at Mashru and Gowda’s Oxley townhouse in Brisbane.
She also signed more false documents to help verify the fake relationship.
The court heard the declaration claimed the two met at a friend's birthday party and later exchanged phone numbers.
reported that in those documents, May described Singh as a "sensitive and caring man" who loved her a lot.
She also claimed that she was learning the Punjabi language and how to cook curries she loved.
In those documents, which described her relationship, Ms May said she wanted to travel with her husband before settling down and it could be possible only if Mr Singh’s visa was sorted out.
On Tuesday, Ms May told the Brisbane District Court that everything written in that statutory document was a lie except for the fact that she loved curries.
Mashru is representing himself as the trial continues against him and his wife Gowda. The couple have pleaded not guilty to arranging marriages for visas.
Mashru has also been charged with delivering a false or misleading document and influencing a commonwealth official.
Six grooms and 15 brides are expected to be called to give evidence throughout the trial.
Earlier, Josephine Haig told the court that in 2011. Singh allegedly paid $5000 to Mashru and his wife Gowda and another $5000 to Ms Haig for this marriage.
The trial continues.
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Indian-Australian couple in court over alleged 'marriage for visa scam'
