Woman used ‘wigs and disguises’ to take immigration tests for others

A woman has been arrested on suspicion of using wigs and disguises to fraudulently take UK citizenship tests on behalf of others, the Home Office has revealed.

The 42-year-old, who has not been named, is accused of giving applicants an ‘unfair advantage’ in their Life in the UK tests, which is a requirement for anyone hoping to gain British citizenship.

The test consists of 24 questions which aim to prove the applicant has sufficient knowledge of British values, history, and society.

It is believed the woman completed at least 12 tests for applicants across the country, travelling to different test centres, disguising herself and doctoring ID documents to evade detection from authorities.

She was arrested after Immigration officials conducted a raid on an address in Dartford, Kent, on Friday morning.

As officers conducted a search of the property, they found a second woman hiding under a bed.

A number of suspected false documents were also seized during the search, along with a hoard of luxury goods including designer handbags, watches and shoes believed to have been purchased with illicit funds raised by the crime.

Both women remain in custody as the investigation continues.

The arrest comes just over a week after a woman was arrested in near-identical circumstances, after she was also accused of donning wigs and disguises to fraudulently take Life in the UK tests on behalf of others.

Josephine Maurice, 61, of Enstone Road, Enfield, has been charged with 15 counts of fraud by false representation and 2 counts of possession of false documents in connection to this incident. She has been remanded in custody.

The Home Office claims fraudsters completing the test for others could result in people being wrongly granted the right to remain in the country without proper due diligence, potentially putting the public at risk.

Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle said: ‘This arrest – the second made in less than two weeks – goes to show that those who flout UK immigration laws for their own gain will be caught and will face consequences.

‘It comes on the heels of the introduction of the Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill – legislation that takes learning from the effects of counterterrorism laws and applies it to organised immigration crime.

As part of the Government’s Plan for Change, this Bill will increase activity across law enforcement agencies and Border Force to turbocharge efforts to smash the gangs, protect our borders and save lives.’

 Criminal and Financial Investigation lead for London, Chris Foster said: ‘This operation demonstrates the dedication of our teams in securing today’s arrest and sends a clear message that we will not tolerate immigration fraud in the UK.

‘We have been actively taking action against those involved in this type of crime and will continue to do so. Anyone who benefits from such fraud will face the consequences.

 ‘This individual went to extreme lengths, using wigs and disguises to impersonate others and cheat the immigration system, showing a complete disregard for UK safety and immigration laws.

 ‘We are fully committed to tackling immigration fraud and organised crime, ensuring our borders remain secure and protecting the integrity of our immigration system.’

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