Exposing the Fake Asylum Industry: A Web of Deceit

A recent investigation has uncovered a complex network of fake asylum applications, with advisers helping claimants create bogus evidence to support their cases. The evidence includes fake news websites, staged political protests, and even pretend same-sex partners.

An undercover reporter attended a meeting with lawyer Zahid Hasan Akhand, who outlined various options for asylum, including pretending to be gay, an atheist, or a political activist. Akhand explained that creating evidence was crucial to convincing the Home Office that the claim was genuine.

Creating Fake Evidence

Akhand suggested that the reporter could create evidence by making posts on social media insulting Islam or the Prophet Muhammad, which would prompt threatening comments from religious clerics. He also recommended attending events organized by groups for former Muslims and speaking out during them.

For a fake gay claim, Akhand said he could connect the reporter with people who would provide membership in different clubs and a partner who would write a letter confirming the relationship. He claimed that most people in these clubs were not actually gay, making it easier to avoid detection.

Staged Protests and Fake Websites

The investigation also uncovered a string of fake asylum applications brought with the help of a different Bangladeshi lawyer between 2018 and 2021. These claims were often based on the applicants being both atheists and gay or bisexual, with evidence submitted including online articles posted on fake news websites.

These websites were set up by someone connected to the group and featured plagiarized articles from major news wires and genuine Bangladeshi media outlets. The websites were likely created solely to publish articles naming the asylum applicants and describing alleged threats against them.

Coaching Claimants

Advisers are also coaching fake claimants on how to behave during interviews with the Home Office, including providing sample questionnaires and even coaching on facial expressions and reactions. One asylum seeker reported being told to cry during an interview, despite feeling unable to do so.

The investigation highlights the extent of the fake asylum industry, with advisers using a range of tactics to help claimants create bogus evidence and deceive the Home Office.