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A BBC undercover investigation has uncovered a scheme where a network of immigration advisors, paralegals, and intermediaries assist migrants in falsifying asylum claims in the UK. These individuals falsely present themselves as gay, charging thousands of pounds for fabricated stories, fake evidence, and interview preparation.
At least three law firms—one owned by Pakistanis—have been accused of illegally creating these fraudulent asylum cases. These firms include Law and Justice Solicitors, owned by Michael Oluyemi Makinde, and Connaught Law, run by Nauman Javid, Sheryar Khan, Zehra Tamkan, and Awais Javed.
The investigation revealed that the scheme predominantly targets migrants from Pakistan and Bangladesh whose student, work, or tourist visas are nearing expiration. The advice often involves encouraging these individuals to claim asylum based on their sexual orientation, falsely asserting they are gay or lesbian.
Using undercover reporters pretending to be Pakistani and Bangladeshi students, the BBC tested whether immigration advisers would endorse false sexuality-based asylum claims. They found several individuals willing to discuss creating fake claims, providing supporting evidence, and quoting fees for services. Reports indicated Connaught Law quoted up to £7,000 for a fabricated claim and minimized the chances of rejection, while another adviser allegedly offered to arrange fake supporting letters, photographs, and even a fake sexual partner to strengthen the application.
One senior legal adviser at Connaught Law, Aqeel Abbasi, who works at an office located on Gray’s Inn Road in Central London, was approached by the undercover reporter. Abbasi claimed he could assist with staying in the UK and appeared ready to guide on how to fabricate evidence. He assured that the likelihood of refusal was “very low” and specified his fee as £7,000, stating his office would then help develop the necessary evidence and support the fake claim.
Abbasi also suggested that the undercover applicant would need to find someone willing to pose as a male partner. When the reporter mentioned having a wife in Pakistan, Abbasi quickly advised a cover story—that societal attitudes are more open in the UK—and suggested the wife could also make a false asylum claim claiming to be lesbian.
A focus of the investigation was Worcester LGBT, a support organization for gay and lesbian asylum seekers that hosts monthly gatherings attended by many migrants nationwide. The BBC traced the undercover reporter’s route to the group through Mazedul Hasan Shakil, a paralegal at Law and Justice Solicitors and the alleged founder and chairman of Worcester LGBT.
Shakil’s associate, Tanisa Khan, was found to have explicitly emphasized using a “gay case” as the only viable route to remain in Britain. When she was informed the reporter was not gay, Tanisa responded that everyone uses this method to stay in the UK, implying widespread deception.
The BBC reports that Tanisa presented a plan to invent a same-sex asylum claim, warning the fake applicant would need to memorize a convincing false story for Home Office interviews. She offered to obtain a letter from someone claiming to have had sexual relations with the applicant and said she would prepare him thoroughly. The fee was set at £2,500, with additional charges if the case failed or was appealed. She also suggested that the applicant’s wife from Pakistan could later claim asylum as well, pretending to be lesbian.
Immigration lawyer Ana Gonzalez, with 30 years of experience, reviewed the footage and declared Tanisa’s actions as “committing fraud” by manufacturing false claims. Gonzalez warned such practices hinder genuine asylum seekers, particularly those claiming persecution based on sexual orientation, which can be difficult to prove objectively.
While exact numbers are unclear, data from the Home Office indicates a disproportionate number of sexuality-based asylum claims originate from Pakistan. In 2023, of 3,430 initial decisions for LGBT-related claims, nearly 1,400 new claims based on sexual orientation were lodged, with Pakistanis responsible for 42% of these. Pakistan has consistently been among the top nationalities for such claims over the past five years, even though they comprise just 6% of all asylum applications.
About 65% of asylum seekers citing persecution over sexual orientation were granted initial approval in 2023. The Home Office emphasizes that making asylum claims through deception is a criminal offense punishable by prison and deportation. It condemned the abuse of protections meant for genuine victims and highlighted ongoing investigations and the rigorous assessment process for asylum claims. The department assured the public that safeguards are in place to prevent and address such misuse.
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