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Three arrested after police raids on gang accused of faking gay asylum claims
Overview
Home Office immigration enforcement officers have arrested three people in London in connection with a criminal network accused of helping Bangladeshi migrants submit fake asylum claims by pretending to be gay. The suspects allegedly charged migrants up to £4,500 for fabricated evidence, including staged photographs and fake letters. More than 100 asylum claims linked to the network are now under review.
Key points
- Three people were arrested in London during Home Office raids targeting a suspected asylum fraud network.
- Two suspects were arrested on suspicion of fraud and immigration offences, while a third was arrested for being in the country illegally.
- The gang allegedly charged migrants between £1,000 and £4,500 for fabricated evidence, including staged photographs and fake support letters.
- The network is connected to a Bangladeshi community LGBT organisation called Apanjon based in east London.
- More than 100 asylum claims linked to the criminal network are currently being reviewed by the Home Office.
- Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned the fraud, stating that those cheating the system will have their claims rejected and face deportation.