Nine Indian nationals have been detained by Border Force officials at Brisbane Airport.
The ABC understands the detainees claimed they were here for the Commonwealth Games.
It is understood the Australian Federal Police (AFP) has launched an investigation into alleged people smuggling, and that all nine were detained overnight after arriving at Brisbane Airport.
They are accused of falsely claiming to be journalists – their credentials were not established by Australian authorities.
It is understood eight people are facing immediate deportation.
A ninth person, Rakesh Kumar Sharma, 46, appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday afternoon on charges of aggravated people smuggling and aggravated false documents.
When asked if he spoke English, Mr Sharma offered no response.
He was remanded in custody while a Hindi interpreter is sought and is due to appear in court again on April 6 for a bail application.
A lawyer for the AFP said they would be releasing a statement about the matter.
Assistant Commissioner Bob Gee said Queensland police were aware of the investigation.
“I can confirm that there was some sort of incident this morning at the airport – the lead for that is the Australian Federal Police, assisted by the ABF and we’re assisting,” he said.
“I have talked with the Commonwealth Games lead and there is no threat to the Commonwealth Games – in fact what you’ll see is that the system works.
“I can’t say any more than that because we’re in a real time investigation.”