Two men were sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday 6 January 2026) for taking advantage of people seeking immigration advice, including some of those most in need and some of the most vulnerable in our society.
The pair were convicted of separate offences, including providing unregulated immigration advice and services, and defrauding vulnerable individuals through false representation. One of the men also sought to advise individuals how to defraud and exploit the regulations that the UK public rely on to protect them from illegal immigration.
Syed Ali Shah Gilani, 51, from Solihull, pleaded guilty on the day of trial (16 June 2025), to three counts of providing unqualified immigration advice and services, contrary to Section 84 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, and was sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years to run concurrently, along with £11,000 in victim compensation plus a victim surcharge.
Risalat Hussain, 38, from Wolverhampton, pleaded guilty on the day of trial (16 June 2025), to one count of fraud by false representation contrary to Sections 1 and 2 of the Fraud Act 2006, and was sentenced to a £250 fine, to be paid within three months.
Mr Gilani provided unregulated immigration advice and services to vulnerable individuals seeking vital support. Operating from multiple offices, he orchestrated an immigration scam that involved advising clients how to exploit EU Treaty Rights. Individuals were charged approximately £5,000 each and instructed to travel to Ireland to fraudulently obtain documentation such as PPI numbers and bank accounts, with Mr Gilani claiming he would manage all arrangements.
Gaon Hart, Immigration Services Commissioner, said
Mr Gilani was fully aware of the legal requirements to provide immigration advice, yet chose to abuse the system and exploit those most in need, including individuals who rely on advice to protect themselves. He acted unlawfully for personal gain – and was caught and investigated thanks to the great work of the Immigration Advice Authority.
This sentencing sends a clear message the Immigration Advice Authority is actively looking to protect the vulnerable and will disrupt and prosecute individuals providing unregulated immigration advice.
This outcome would not have been possible without the courage and determination of the complainants, whose commitment was instrumental to this prosecution. The Immigration Advice Authority invites anyone harmed or at risk from illegal advisers to come forward, so that we can protect the vulnerable and ensure that legal immigration is supported while preventing illegal immigration.
Mike Tapp, Minister for Migration and Citizenship, said
Shameless individuals offering immigration advice illegally must be held to account, and this successful prosecution shows they will not get away with it.
This is why we have included tough new penalties for rogue immigration advisers in the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act, with fines of up to £15,000.
This government is restoring order and control to our borders and will be relentless in pursuing those who abuse our immigration system.
While some clients were met in Dublin and escorted to various institutions, no genuine applications were submitted. The scheme was designed to create the illusion of relocation, enabling clients to apply for family members to gain EU status and return to the UK. Clients were unable to contact Mr Gilani after payment, and refund requests were largely ignored.
Mr Hussain, while denying formal employment by Mr Gilani, played a key role in facilitating communication between Mr Gilani and the clients involved in the scam.
The court heard that Mr Gilani was authorised by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) to provide immigration advice and services at the highest level between 13 April 2011 and 31 January 2014. The IAA launched an investigation following complaints from clients who had paid for services they did not receive.
New penalties for fraudulent advisers under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act will give the IAA enhanced powers to better regulate immigration advisers, protect advice seekers, and support the disruption of serious and organised immigration crime. The IAA will have stronger enforcement and regulatory powers, including financial sanctions, fee refunds and compensation and immediate suspension or cancellation of registration.
Members of the public can check whether an immigration adviser is regulated by visiting the IAA’s Adviser Register. If you have concerns about poor or illegal advice, or wish to make a complaint about an adviser, you can report it directly through the IAA’s online portal.