Four Nigerian nationals have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in a large-scale forgery operation that helped thousands of people illegally reside in the United Kingdom.
Abraham Alade Olarotimi Onifade (41), Abayomi Aderinsoye Shodipo (38), Nosimot Mojisola Gbadamosi (31), and Adekunle Kabir (54) were all convicted in Woolwich Crown Court, London, on Tuesday.
The Home Office revealed that the quartet was part of an organized criminal group that specialized in creating fraudulent documents to assist Nigerian citizens in securing EU Settlement Scheme status.
Operating between March 2019 and May 2020, the gang facilitated over 2,000 false marriage certificates and other fabricated documents to aid applicants in extending their stay in the UK.
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An investigation conducted by the Home Office in both the UK and Nigeria uncovered the extensive operation, which involved the gang members forging Nigerian Customary Marriage Certificates and other deceptive paperwork.
Paul Moran, Home Office Chief Immigration Officer, condemned the group’s actions, stating, “This group exhibited an insatiable desire to exploit our immigration system for financial gain. Their blatant disregard for the law has rightfully landed them behind bars.”
He further emphasized the Home Office’s commitment to safeguarding UK borders and dismantling criminal networks that prey on vulnerable individuals.
Onifade and Shodipo were both found guilty of conspiracy to facilitate illegal entry into the UK and conspiracy to provide articles used in fraud. They were sentenced to six and five years in prison, respectively.
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Gbadamosi was convicted of obtaining leave to remain through deception and fraud and received a six-year sentence.
Kabir was found guilty of possession of an identity document with improper intention but was acquitted of obtaining leave to remain by deception. He was sentenced to nine months in prison.
The convictions serve as a stern warning to other individuals or groups contemplating similar fraudulent activities. The Home Office reiterated its unwavering determination to uphold immigration laws and protect the integrity of the UK’s borders.
