Three Arrested Over Alleged £4,500 UK Asylum Fraud Network Using Staged Photos to 'Prove' Men Were Gay

Three people have been arrested in London after immigration officers targeted a suspected criminal network accused of charging migrants up to £4,500 ($6,000) to provide allegedly fabricated evidence supporting sexuality-based UK asylum claims.

Home Office Immigration Enforcement officers carried out raids on Wednesday as part of an investigation into allegations that fabricated evidence, including staged photographs, support letters and documents purporting to show same-sex relationships, was supplied to asylum seekers. More than 100 claims linked to the suspected network are now under review.

Migrants Allegedly Offered Staged Photos

Chris Foster, a regional lead for criminal investigations at the Home Office, said intelligence suggested those involved could charge between £1,000 and £4,500 (or $1,300 and $6,000) for supporting material.

The alleged evidence included letters of support, staged photographs intended to suggest applicants were gay and letters from people claiming to be in same-sex relationships with asylum seekers.

Investigators believe the suspected network assisted Bangladeshi men who claimed they would face persecution if returned to their home country because of their sexuality. Same-sex sexual activity between men remains criminalised in Bangladesh.

Three Arrested in London Immigration Raids

Two people were arrested at London addresses on suspicion of fraud and immigration offences. Officers also seized mobile phones, jewellery and thousands of pounds in cash during the operation.

A third person was arrested on suspicion of being in the UK illegally.

According to Foster, asylum caseworkers first identified patterns among suspicious applications, raising concerns that eventually led to an investigation lasting several months.

More Than 100 UK Asylum Claims Under Review

The Home Office is reviewing more than 100 asylum claims linked to the suspected network, significantly widening the potential scale of the investigation.

Foster said some fraudulent asylum applications connected to such activity would have 'undoubtedly' been granted.

Foster also said the claims under investigation were linked to Apanjon, a Bangladeshi community LGBT organisation based in Whitechapel, east London.

The Home Office alleged that Apanjon had supported some men who later claimed asylum on the basis of their sexuality after earlier applications based on political grounds had been rejected. In one case cited by officials, a man's sexuality was not raised as grounds for asylum until nine years after his original claim.

BBC Investigation Exposed Similar Fake Asylum Tactics

The arrests follow a BBC undercover investigation published in April that uncovered advisers allegedly helping migrants manufacture evidence for sexuality-based asylum applications.

The investigation found migrants could allegedly be coached to develop fabricated stories and obtain supporting photographs, letters and other evidence, with advisers reportedly charging thousands of pounds for their services.

An adviser, Tanisa Khan, was filmed telling an undercover reporter about a 'comprehensive package' to support a claim. Khan later denied advising the reporter to make a false application and blamed communication difficulties for a misunderstanding.

Home Secretary Warns Gangs Over Asylum Fraud

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned attempts to exploit Britain's asylum system, saying people 'faking persecution' mocked genuine victims who needed protection.

She warned gangs accused of profiting from fraudulent claims that they would be prosecuted and their criminal proceeds targeted.

'And to those cheating the system, your claim will be thrown out, and you will be removed from this country,' Mahmood said.