By The Nexus Gazette.
August 28, 2024.
A criminal gang involved in a sophisticated operation to forge more than 2,000 marriage certificates, enabling Nigerian nationals to live in the UK illegally, has been sentenced to a combined total of 13 years in prison. The group’s activities, which spanned over four years, were a significant breach of the UK’s immigration controls.
The gang, comprising four individuals, orchestrated a large-scale fraud by providing false Nigerian Customary Marriage Certificates and other forged documents. These fraudulent papers were used to support applications under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), which was introduced to allow EU citizens and their families to remain in the UK post-Brexit. Between March 2019 and May 2023, the group facilitated these fraudulent applications, allowing Nigerian nationals to illegally reside in the UK.
The four key members of the gang were identified as:
- Abraham Alade Olarotimi Onifade (41) from Gravesend: Onifade, considered the ringleader, was sentenced to six years in prison after being found guilty of conspiracy to facilitate illegal entry into the UK and conspiracy to provide articles used in fraud.
- Abayomi Aderinsoye Shodipo (38) from Manchester: Shodipo was sentenced to five years in prison for his involvement in the conspiracy to facilitate illegal entry into the UK and conspiracy to provide articles used in fraud.
- Nosimot Mojisola Gbadamosi (31) from Bolton: Gbadamosi received an 18-month sentence after being convicted of obtaining leave to remain by deception and fraud by false representation.
- Adekunle Kabir (54) from London: Kabir was jailed for nine months for possession of an identity document with improper intention. He was, however, cleared of charges related to obtaining leave to remain by deception.
The Home Office led an extensive investigation into the gang’s activities, conducting inquiries both within the UK and internationally, including operations based in Lagos, Nigeria. This investigation uncovered the full scale of the operation, revealing over 2,000 falsified marriage documents that had been used to fraudulently support EUSS applications.
Paul Moran, Chief Immigration Officer at the Home Office, underscored the significance of this case in the ongoing fight against immigration-related fraud. “This group was absolutely prolific in their desire to abuse our borders, and they have rightly been brought to justice,” Moran said. “We will continue to work tirelessly to secure our borders and clamp down on gangs exploiting people’s desperation to remain in the UK.”
This case highlights the persistent challenge of immigration-related fraud and the need for robust enforcement to protect the integrity of the UK’s immigration system. The sentencing of these individuals serves as a strong warning to others involved in similar activities that they will face severe consequences.
The Home Office has reiterated its commitment to combating such criminal operations, ensuring that those who seek to undermine the UK’s immigration laws are brought to justice.
Resources:
2.https://www.legit.ng/nigeria/1610746-uk-jails-4-nigerians-forging-2000-marriage-certificates/