Govt raises spy concerns with Israel

Concerns raised by govt with Israel about alleged passport fraud- fears Israeli spies could be posing as NZ citizens

17 April 2004
The Government has raised concerns about alleged passport fraud with the Israeli government, amid fears that country's spies could be posing as New Zealand citizens.

The prime minister says she is aware of a case in the Auckland District Court relating to an attempt to fraudulently obtain a New Zealand passport.

Helen Clark says the government is constrained as to what it can say, given that the case is still before the courts.

But she says the people involved are Israeli citizens, and the matter has been raised directly with their government.

The New Zealand Herald quotes senior government sources as saying the men are believed to be Israeli secret service agents.

That has prompted fears Mossad agents may be masquerading as New Zealanders overseas.

© 2010 NZCity, IRN