Two Men Sentenced for Exploiting Vulnerable Immigration Seekers
Two men received sentences at Birmingham Crown Court for defrauding vulnerable individuals seeking immigration advice. Their actions were aimed at exploiting those in desperate need of support, according to court proceedings held on January 6, 2026.
Details of the Convictions
Syed Ali Shah Gilani, 51, from Solihull, entered a guilty plea to multiple charges of providing unqualified immigration advice, contravening the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. He was handed a suspended sentence of 14 months, alongside a compensation order of £11,000 for his victims.
Risalat Hussain, 38, hailing from Wolverhampton, also pleaded guilty, though his offences were limited to a single count of fraud through false representation, resulting in a £250 fine.
The Immigration Scam
Gilani operated an unscrupulous immigration scheme, offering unregulated advice to individuals needing assistance. His scam involved instructing clients to falsely exploit EU Treaty rights. They were charged around £5,000 for services that never materialised, with clients misled into travelling to Ireland to illegitimately obtain documents like PPI numbers and bank accounts. Many found themselves unable to reach Gilani after making payments, and their requests for refunds were largely ignored.
Hussain, while not formally employed by Gilani, acted as a facilitator between Gilani and the clients involved, furthering the scope of their illegal operations.
Response from Authorities
Gaon Hart, Immigration Services Commissioner, emphasised the gravity of the situation, noting that Gilani understood the rules governing immigration advice yet chose to exploit vulnerable individuals. He praised the Immigration Advice Authority for its diligent efforts in bringing this case to light.
Mike Tapp, Minister for Migration and Citizenship, echoed these sentiments, asserting the government’s commitment to holding accountable those offering illegal immigration advice. He referenced new penalties under the recent Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act, which allows for fines of up to £15,000 for rogue advisers.
Background and Future Regulations
Before his criminal activities, Gilani was authorised by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) to offer services at a high level until January 2014. Investigations begun by the IAA followed complaints from clients who had been defrauded.
Under the new Border Security legislation, the IAA will gain enhanced regulatory powers to better oversee immigration advisers, provide more robust protections for those seeking advice, and disrupt organised immigration crime.
How to Report Illegal Advisers
Members of the public are encouraged to verify the status of immigration advisers through the IAA’s Adviser Register. Those with concerns regarding illegal practices are urged to report them via the IAA’s direct online portal.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/convictions-following-eu-treaty-rights-immigration-scam
