Four Nigerian Nationals Sentenced in UK for Massive Marriage Certificate Forgery Scheme Tied to Illegal Immigration.
- Over 2,000 forged marriage certificates used in the scheme.
- Facilitated fraudulent applications for the EU Settlement Scheme.
- Network operated for over two years, targeting Nigerian nationals.
- Sentences range from nine months to six years.
Four Nigerians Jailed for Orchestrating Large-Scale Immigration Fraud
A sophisticated criminal network involving four Nigerian nationals has been dismantled by UK authorities. The group was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court for forging over 2,000 marriage certificates to facilitate illegal immigration into the UK. This complex operation targeted Nigerian nationals seeking to exploit the EU Settlement Scheme.
Forgery Operation Targeted EU Settlement Scheme
The group’s illegal activities, which spanned from March 2019 to May 2023, centered around providing counterfeit Nigerian Customary Marriage Certificates and other fraudulent documents. These forged documents were then used to support applications to the EU Settlement Scheme, enabling individuals to remain in the UK unlawfully. The scale of the operation, involving over 2,000 forged certificates, highlights the significant threat posed by such organized crime networks.
Key Players and Their Sentences
Abraham Alade Olarotimi Onifade (41) and Abayomi Aderinsoye Shodipo (38) were convicted of conspiracy to facilitate illegal entry into the UK and conspiracy to provide fraudulent documents. Onifade, from Gravesend, received a six-year prison sentence, while Shodipo, from Manchester, received a five-year sentence. Nosimot Mojisola Gbadamosi (31), from Bolton, was sentenced to six years for deception and fraud by false representation. Adekunle Kabir (54), from London, received a nine-month sentence for possessing an identity document with improper intent. Kabir was acquitted of charges related to obtaining leave to remain by deception.
Home Office Vows to Combat Immigration Fraud
Paul Moran, the Home Office Chief Immigration Officer, emphasized the government’s commitment to tackling immigration fraud. “We will continue to work relentlessly to protect our borders and dismantle criminal groups exploiting vulnerable individuals for profit,” he stated. This case demonstrates the ongoing efforts to identify and prosecute those involved in such criminal activities.
Impact on Immigration Security
This successful prosecution underscores the importance of robust immigration controls and the ongoing fight against document fraud. The scale of this operation highlights the potential for such schemes to undermine the integrity of immigration systems and the need for continued vigilance in detecting and disrupting similar criminal networks.
Implications for Future Immigration Policy
This case may influence future reviews and adjustments to the UK’s immigration policies and procedures, particularly concerning the EU Settlement Scheme and the verification of supporting documentation. It also highlights the need for international cooperation to combat transnational organized crime related to immigration fraud.
