A criminal enterprise involving four individuals has been dismantled, resulting in prison sentences totaling 13 years for their roles in a large-scale marriage certificate forgery operation. The group's activities, which facilitated illegal residency in the United Kingdom, were uncovered through a comprehensive investigation by the Home Office.
Abraham Alade Olarotimi Onifade, Abayomi Aderinsoye Shodipo, Nosimot Mojisola Gbadamosi, and Adekunle Kabir were found guilty of various offenses related to the production of fraudulent documentation. Their scheme, which operated from March 2019 to May 2023, involved creating false Nigerian Customary Marriage Certificates and other documents to support fraudulent applications under the EU Settlement Scheme.
The Home Office's investigation, conducted both domestically and through its international operations in Lagos, Nigeria, revealed the staggering scale of the fraud, with over 2,000 false marriage documents identified. This operation highlights the complexities of immigration control in a post-Brexit UK, where the immigration system has undergone significant changes.
At Woolwich Crown Court, located in southeast London, Onifade and Shodipo were convicted of conspiracy to facilitate illegal entry into the UK and conspiracy to provide articles used in fraud. Gbadamosi was found guilty of obtaining leave to remain by deception and fraud by false representation, while Kabir was convicted of possessing an identity document with improper intention.
The sentencing, which took place on August 20, 2024, saw:
- Onifade, from Gravesend, receiving a 6-year prison term
- Shodipo, from Manchester, sentenced to 5 years
- Gbadamosi, from Bolton, given an 18-month sentence
- Kabir, from London, jailed for 9 months
This case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by UK authorities in maintaining border security and combating immigration fraud. The EU Settlement Scheme, launched in March 2019 with a deadline of June 30, 2021, was designed for EU citizens living in the UK. However, it became a target for exploitation by criminal groups.
"This group was absolutely prolific in their desire to abuse our borders and have rightly been brought to justice. As with many gangs we encounter, their sole priority was financial gain. 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."
The case also highlights the complex interplay between UK immigration policies and the diverse cultural practices of countries like Nigeria, which has over 250 ethnic groups and 500 languages. While customary marriages are recognized under Nigerian law, the fraudulent use of such certificates in this scheme demonstrates the challenges in verifying international documentation.
As the UK continues to adapt its immigration policies in the post-Brexit era, this case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to maintain the integrity of the country's borders and immigration system. The Home Office has reaffirmed its commitment to clamping down on criminal gangs that exploit vulnerable individuals seeking to remain in the UK.