Four individuals have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in an elaborate scheme to forge over 2,000 marriage certificates, facilitating illegal immigration into the United Kingdom.
The group, part of an organised criminal network, exploited the EU Settlement Scheme, helping numerous Nigerian nationals to unlawfully remain in the country.
In a significant ruling at Woolwich Crown Court, four members of a criminal syndicate have been sentenced for their roles in a sophisticated illegal immigration operation. Abraham Alade Olarotimi Onifade, 41, Abayomi Aderinsoye Shodipo, 38, Nosimot Mojisola Gbadamosi, 31, and Adekunle Kabir, 54, were handed down sentences ranging from nine months to six years.
The Home Office described the group as “prolific” in their criminal activities, which included the forging of marriage certificates and submitting fraudulent documentation to secure illegal residency in the UK for Nigerian nationals. The group’s operation spanned from March 2019 to May 2023.
The criminal network was found to have exploited the EU Settlement Scheme by submitting false Nigerian Customary Marriage Certificates among other fraudulent documents. This fraudulent activity was designed to circumvent UK immigration laws, enabling individuals to remain in the country without legitimate status.
The Home Office, working closely with authorities in Lagos, Nigeria, uncovered the extent of the conspiracy. Over 2,000 false marriage certificates were linked to the group, revealing the scale of their operation.
Onifade, from Gravesend in Kent, and Shodipo, from Manchester, were both convicted of conspiracy to facilitate illegal entry into the UK and conspiracy to provide fraudulent documents. They received prison sentences of six years and five years, respectively.
Gbadamosi, based in Bolton, was convicted of obtaining leave to remain by deception and fraud by false representation, resulting in a six-year prison term. Kabir, from London, was found guilty of possession of an identity document with improper intention and was sentenced to nine months in prison.
Paul Moran, Chief Immigration Officer at the Home Office, commented on the case:
“This group was absolutely prolific in their desire to abuse our borders and have rightly been brought to justice. Their sole priority was financial gain, and I am delighted that my team was able to intercept their operation.”
He added,
“We will continue to work tirelessly to secure our borders and clamp down on the gangs who prey on vulnerable people to make money.”
The Home Office has reiterated its commitment to combating organised crime and ensuring the integrity of the UK’s immigration system. This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against illegal immigration and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
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