A UK court has sentenced four individuals of Nigerian descent to prison for their roles in a large-scale immigration fraud scheme. The defendants, Adekunle Kabir, Nosimot Gbadamosi, Abayomi Shodipo, and Abraham Onifade, were found guilty of creating over 2,000 fake marriage certificates to help individuals stay in the country illegally. The scheme, which operated from March to May 2019, used false documents to facilitate fraudulent applications to the European Union Settlement Scheme.

The court handed down prison terms ranging from six months to six years to the defendants, who were convicted of various charges including conspiracy to furnish articles used in fraud, fraud by false representation, and possession of an identification document with intent to deceive.

Paul Moran, Chief Immigration Officer at the Home Office, characterized the scheme as an “abuse of people’s desperation” and stated that the organization was “extremely widespread in its intent to misuse UK borders.” He emphasized that the priority of the gang was financial gain and warned that the convictions should serve as a deterrent to other groups seeking to exploit vulnerable individuals.

The case highlights the ongoing issue of immigration fraud in the UK, with the Home Office recognizing that foreign nationals, including Nigerians, are seeking to move to the country. While the UK government acknowledges the desire for lawful admission, it remains committed to securing its borders and clamping down on fraudulent activities.