September 10, 2008 | Sex & Society

Gay visa scandal hits Australia

A migration agent in Syndey, Australia, is in deep koala doo doo after allegations surfaced that he used a male prostitute to secure political asylum for his clients.

Raymond Solaiman is being investigated for photographing Indian and Bangladeshi men with the escort. The images were then used as supporting evidence that the men were gay and should be allowed to stay in Australia. If refused visas  the men would face persecution upon return to their home country.

The Department of Immigration realized something suspicious was going on when several applications from different claimants contained pictures with the same male partner and background.

The escort, who goes by the name James, said he was unaware of the scam. He claims he was approached by Solaiman online and asked to take some naughty pics of gay friends visiting Australia. "Not only has he exploited me, he has left me in an extremely vulnerable position. If my name, or photos of me, were to end up in public, it would in every other clients' eyes jeopardize their privacy. Some are prominent people."

As for Solaiman, his criminal scheme gets good marks for concept, but a failing grade for execution.