World Immigration News

Convictions following EU Treaty Rights immigration scam

Release Date: 2026-01-07
Media: GOV.UK
Summary: Two men were sentenced in the UK on 6 January 2026 at Birmingham Crown Court for exploiting people seeking immigration advice, including vulnerable individuals. The men were convicted of separate offences involving unregulated immigration advice and fraud by false representation.

Syed Ali Shah Gilani, 51, from Solihull, pleaded guilty to three counts of providing immigration advice and services without proper authorisation, in breach of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. He received a 14-month prison sentence suspended for two years, and was ordered to pay £11,000 in victim compensation plus a victim surcharge. Gilani ran an immigration scam in which clients were charged around £5,000 each and instructed to travel to Ireland to obtain documents under the false pretence of exploiting EU Treaty rights. No genuine applications were submitted, and many clients were unable to contact him after payment.

Risalat Hussain, 38, from Wolverhampton, pleaded guilty to one count of fraud under the Fraud Act 2006 and was fined £250. Although he denied formal employment by Gilani, he played a key role in facilitating communication with clients involved in the scam.

The investigation was led by the Immigration Advice Authority following complaints from victims. UK ministers said the case demonstrated a tougher approach to illegal immigration advisers, supported by new powers and penalties introduced under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act. The Authority has urged the public to check adviser registration and report suspected illegal or poor immigration advice.
Tags: United Kingdom

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