Police have made arrests following raids on a suspected criminal network accused of helping migrants create fake asylum claims by pretending to be gay. Home Office immigration enforcement officers targeted individuals reportedly charging migrants up to £4,500 for fabricated evidence, including staged photographs and false documents.
Two people were arrested at London addresses on suspicion of fraud and immigration offences, while a third was arrested on suspicion of being in the country illegally. Officers also seized phones, jewellery, and thousands of pounds in cash.
Chris Foster, a regional lead for criminal investigations at the Home Office, stated that the fake claims are connected to Apanjon, a Bangladeshi community LGBT organisation based in Whitechapel, east London. He said asylum caseworkers initially identified suspicious patterns in claims, leading to an investigation that has been ongoing for several months.
Mr Foster indicated that intelligence suggests the group could provide fake letters and documents, charging between £1,000 and £4,500. These could include letters of support from Apanjon, staged photographs, or letters from individuals claiming to be in same-sex relationships with claimants. The Home Office is currently reviewing more than 100 asylum claims linked to this network, with Mr Foster noting that some fake applications would have "undoubtedly" been granted.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood commented that "those faking persecution are beneath contempt and mock real victims who need protection." She added that gangs profiting from this fraud would be prosecuted and shut down, and those cheating the system would have their claims rejected and be removed from the country. Asylum fraud carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison upon conviction.