Two people have been arrested following an undercover investigation by BBC News into alleged immigration fraud involving false LGBT asylum claims in the UK.
The arrests came after coordinated raids in east London carried out by the Criminal and Financial Investigations unit of the Home Office’s Immigration Enforcement team. Authorities said a woman in her late forties was arrested on suspicion of illegally providing immigration services under the Immigration and Asylum Act, while a man in his early twenties was arrested on suspicion of fraud.
The investigation began after BBC reporters secretly filmed an event for LGBT asylum seekers. During the undercover operation, several migrants allegedly claimed that some attendees were pretending to be gay in order to strengthen asylum applications and remain in the country after their visas expired. The report also alleged that advisers were helping applicants create fake supporting evidence, including photographs and written statements.
Following the broadcast, the Home Office launched an official investigation into the allegations.
Mike Tapp, who attended one of the raids, said the government would take action against advisers providing fraudulent immigration guidance.
“Our asylum system is there for people who are genuinely fleeing persecution and war,” he said. “But people that are trying to abuse it will not be accepted.”
The case has sparked political debate across the UK. Conservative politician Chris Philp called for stricter immigration measures, while Liberal Democrat representative Will Forster said Britain must protect genuine refugees while preventing abuse of the asylum system.
Zack Polanski argued that inconsistent government policies may encourage fraudulent operations, while Reform UK spokesman Zia Yusuf accused the government of failing to act sooner.
The investigation remains ongoing
Source : Liie Immigration
