In a significant crackdown on immigration fraud, four individuals have been sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court for their involvement in making fraudulent EU Settlement Scheme applications for Nigerian nationals. The Home Office disclosed that these fraudulent activities spanned from 2019 to 2023, exploiting the system designed to help EU citizens and their families secure their rights in the UK post-Brexit.
The sentencing, which took place on Tuesday, marks a crucial step in maintaining the integrity of the EU Settlement Scheme. The Home Office emphasized the importance of safeguarding the system against such fraudulent activities to ensure that it serves its intended purpose effectively.
An investigation from the Home Office in the UK and Lagos found more than 2,000 false marriage documents were facilitated by the group, who themselves were Nigerians.
Home Office chief immigration officer Paul Moran said: “This group was absolutely prolific in their desire to abuse our borders and have rightly been brought to justice.
As with many gangs we encounter, their sole priority was financial gain. I am delighted that my team was able to intercept their operation, and I hope these convictions will serve as a warning to unscrupulous gangs who exploit people’s desperation to remain in the UK.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to secure our borders and clamp down on the gangs who prey on vulnerable people to make money.”Onifade, from Gravesend in Kent, and Shodipo, from Manchester, were both found guilty of conspiracy to facilitate illegal entry into the UK and conspiracy to provide articles used in fraud. They were jailed for six years and five years respectively.
Gbadamosi from Bolton, was convicted of obtaining leave to remain by deception and fraud by false representation and sentenced to six years.
Kabir, from London, was found guilty of possession of an identity document with improper intention but was cleared of obtaining leave to remain by deception. He was jailed for nine months.
The Home Office continues to work diligently to identify and prosecute those who seek to exploit the system for personal gain.
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