New Zealand identifies nine Indian-origin witch doctors

The Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has identified nine Indian-origin "witch doctors" on the run after it came to light that they had duped vulnerable people, a media report said on Wednesday.

Of the nine, five have already left the country, news channel 3News reported.

"The individuals have been asked to respond to INZ's concerns before a decision is taken on what action to take," INZ assistant general manager Peter Devoy was quoted as saying.

The "witch doctors" have targetted several people in the Indian community across the country, the channel said.

An Auckland businessman recently filed a police complaint after a witch doctor duped him out of NZ$275,000 and left the country hours after receiving the cash.

The black magic practitioners arrived from India on tourist or temporary work visas, revealed an undercover investigation by 3News recently.

"INZ would strongly encourage people not to be taken in by anyone offering these types of services," Devoy said.

The wall-to-wall advertisements promoting the so-called healers have been removed.

In an earlier report, the news channel said that many of the fraudsters start with a $20 visit fee and guarantee 100 percent results, before going on to charge thousands to heal or bring back a lost lover.