London, U.K. — In a major crackdown on immigration fraud, four Nigerian nationals were sentenced on Tuesday at Woolwich Crown Court for orchestrating an elaborate scheme to forge more than 2,000 marriage documents. The operation, which spanned four years, involved fraudulent applications to the EU Settlement Scheme, enabling Nigerian nationals to illegally remain in the United Kingdom.
The Home Office revealed that the group, described as an organized criminal syndicate, was responsible for producing false Nigerian Customary Marriage Certificates and other fabricated documents to support the fraudulent applications. The illegal activities were carried out between March 2019 and May 2023, targeting vulnerable individuals seeking to secure their immigration status.
A joint investigation by the Home Office in the UK and authorities in Lagos uncovered the full extent of the operation, leading to the arrest and subsequent prosecution of the four individuals. Authorities estimate that over 2,000 false marriage documents were processed by the group during the scheme’s operation.
The Convicted Individuals:
- Abraham Alade Olarotimi Onifade, 41: A resident of Gravesend in Kent, Onifade 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 received a five-year prison sentence on similar charges of facilitating illegal entry and providing fraudulent documents.
- Nosimot Mojisola Gbadamosi, 31: A Bolton resident, Gbadamosi was sentenced to six years for obtaining leave to remain by deception and fraud by false representation.
- Adekunle Kabir, 54: Based in London, Kabir was sentenced to nine months in prison for possession of an identity document with improper intention. He was, however, acquitted of charges related to obtaining leave to remain by deception.
Official Reactions:
In a statement following the sentencing, a spokesperson for the Home Office underscored the financial motivations driving the group. “As with many gangs we encounter, their sole priority was financial gain,” the spokesperson said. “I am delighted that my team was able to intercept their operation, and I hope these convictions will serve as a warning to unscrupulous gangs who exploit people’s desperation to remain in the UK. 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 successful prosecution of this group marks a significant victory in the ongoing efforts by UK authorities to combat organized crime related to immigration fraud. Officials are hopeful that these convictions will deter other criminal organizations from engaging in similar activities.
As the UK continues to tighten its borders, the case serves as a stark reminder of the lengths to which some will go to circumvent immigration laws, and the vigilant efforts by law enforcement to bring such offenders to justice.
