Newshub can reveal the two Christchurch brothers convicted of almost 70 sex crime and drugging charges don't hold New Zealand passports and could be deported back to Australia when released from prison.
Danny and Roberto Jaz were sentenced to long prison sentences last week. Victims spoken to by Newshub are thrilled the pair may never walk free here again.
The Jaz brothers are two of New Zealand's worst sexual predators but neither are New Zealand citizens.
The brothers of Macedonian heritage were born and grew up in Australia. They moved here with their family in 2001 when Danny was 18 and Roberto was 16.
Their father set up popular hospitality businesses Venuti and Mama Hooch in Christchurch. These family businesses became the brothers' playground for drugging and assaulting many young women.
But the brothers may never walk free in New Zealand again.
"Under 179 of the Act, once deported they will be permanently prohibited from entering New Zealand," said immigration expert Harris Gu.
Police revealed to Newshub that the Jaz brothers don't hold New Zealand passports. Police have confirmed with Immigration New Zealand that they are here on resident visas.
Any decision on their ongoing status is a matter for Immigration New Zealand.
Immigration NZ said it won't comment on specific cases but replied to Newshub's questions about the Jaz brothers: "If a person is not a New Zealand citizen, then on completion of a custodial sentence they may be liable for deportation on account of being convicted for criminal offending."
It's unknown when the brothers' resident visas were granted but one part of the Immigration Act, which addresses deportation, relies on the crime being committed within 10 years from date of issue.
"It really depends on the seriousness of the crime and the time the offence took place," Gu said.
Victims Newshub contacted today said the potential of deportation was great news.
One said: "It sounds silly but I was already thinking about my plans in around eight years' time on how I may have to manage them back in society, potentially being able own and manage another business and hurt more people and whether I would have to up and move again."
The brothers were last week sentenced to 16-and-a-half and 17 years behind bars and now face the prospect of deportation when they're released.
Where to find help and support:
- Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
- Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
- Shakti Community Council - 0800 742 584
If you have witnessed or experienced sexual harassment or assault and would like to speak to someone, you could call the HELP support service.
- Auckland: (09) 623 1700 or visit helpauckland.org.nz
- Wellington: (04) 801 6655 or visit wellingtonhelp.org.nz
