Israeli art scammers

Stuff today reported that a team of Israeli art scammers have been told to leave New Zealand
Note:  Stuff's original headline was "Israelis told to quit the country", before they decided they needed to identify the specific group.

The scheme involved them knocking from door to door with a satchel of unframed paintings, saying they are art students that are looking help support themselves.  They are very friendly and polite, and are willing to talk you through every painting they have, and the style in which they did it.

I have to admit.  I have one of these paintings on a back wall.  From many years ago (in our old house, before we were even married).  I wanted to help these poor Israelis.  I know many people in Caulfield that do.

I have to say that in many ways I think it is Enterprising.  They were students, probably on their gap year, after the mandatory army service, where they have to put up with the daily horrors of Palestinian terror.  Living in a peaceful country like Australia or New Zealand, they are just trying to support themselves.

Except however it is dishonest, and because of that they lose their visitor visas.  This I agree with, and they need to realise that they are giving all Israelis a bad name.  Australians see so many rorts, that it wouldn't probably raise an eyebrow.  New Zealanders however are very trusting, and have long memories.  Uncovering something like this will cut much deeper.

I'm sure that every ethnic migrant or student visa group has some kind of rort or scam.  Many are much more sinister.  Drug smuggling, black markets, prostitution, people smuggling and worse.  Have a look at the local Mafias - many were started by migrant groups.  Selling cheap art door to door is mild in comparison.