Two people arrested amid investigation into asylum seekers pretending to be gay to remain in Britain
Home Office immigration enforcement officers have arrested two people in east London following coordinated raids linked to an undercover report that alleged immigration advisers coaching asylum seekers to falsely claim they are gay.
The Criminal and Financial Investigations unit led the operations, which resulted in the arrest of a woman in her late 40s suspected of unlawfully providing immigration services under section 91 of the Immigration and Asylum Act.
A man in his early 20s was also taken into custody on suspicion of fraud.
The arrests come after the BBC released videos showing migrants with expiring visas being taught how to fabricate documentation supporting bogus asylum applications.
The undercover reporting captured footage at a gathering for LGBT asylum seekers where multiple migrants admitted to an undercover journalist that the majority of attendees were not genuinely homosexual.
Reporters documented how individuals facing visa expiration were being guided on obtaining fraudulent supporting materials, including fabricated letters and staged photographs designed to bolster their asylum applications.
The Home Office launched its own inquiry after the investigation was released, leading to the arrests announced today.
According to a Home Office source, both suspects remain in custody as investigators examine the full extent of the alleged scheme to exploit protections intended for those fleeing persecution based on their sexuality.
Immigration Minister Mike Tapp personally joined officers during one of the raids, using the occasion to issue a stark warning to those facilitating fraudulent claims.
"If lawyers, or so-called lawyers, and legal advisers are out there providing this dodgy advice, we're coming after that. And as you've seen today, we'll make those arrests," he said.
The minister emphasised that such practices damage the prospects of legitimate refugees seeking sanctuary in Britain.
"Our asylum system is there for people who are genuinely fleeing persecution and war and I'm really proud of that.
"But people that are trying to abuse it will not be accepted," Mr Tapp added.
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"But people that are trying to abuse it will not be accepted," Mr Tapp added.
Opposition parties swiftly criticised the government's response as inadequate.
Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp dismissed the operation, stating: "A handful of arrests changes nothing while the underlying incentive remains intact."
He argued the Tories would tackle the problem by prohibiting asylum applications from those arriving illegally, withdrawing from the European Convention on Human Rights, and removing unlawful arrivals within seven days.
Liberal Democrat immigration spokesperson Will Forster called for a system that is "fair, controlled and efficient."
Green Party leader Zack Polanski has previously blamed "inconsistent policies" for creating conditions where such fraudulent operations flourish.
Reform UK's Zia Yusuf said: "Labour can claim no credit for clamping down on lawyers aiding false asylum claims when they failed to act themselves.
"Millions have entered this country illegally and must be deported."
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