Bogus websites, staged protests and pretend atheists: Inside the fake asylum industry

Bogus Websites, Staged Protests and Pretend Atheists: Inside the Fake Asylum Industry

Undercover Insights into Fabricated Claims

During a covert operation in early April, an investigator posing as a Bangladeshi university dropout visited an office near Mile End Road in east London. There, he received guidance on crafting asylum applications, with a barrister named Zahid Hasan Akhand leading the session. The discussion revealed a network of strategies designed to mislead the Home Office, including creating false narratives around sexual orientation, religion, and political beliefs.

Options for Deception

Akhand outlined three pathways for the undercover reporter: persecution based on sexual identity, religious conviction, or political activism. While he would manage the legal aspects for £1,500, the applicant was expected to choose a specific angle. Each route required tailored evidence, with costs varying from £2,000 to £3,000 depending on the complexity of the case.

Building False Evidence

For a claim centered on atheism, Akhand suggested generating social media posts that mocked Islam and the Prophet Muhammad. He claimed religious leaders would then issue threats, validating the fabricated evidence. To enhance credibility, the investigator was advised to publish articles in atheist publications, both UK-based and in Bangladesh, using AI tools like ChatGPT.

“You just told me that you are not an atheist, which means you are not an atheist,” Akhand remarked, emphasizing the lack of verification systems.

Similarly, for a political asylum case, the investigator would need to present a legal argument against themselves in their home country. Akhand argued that this path was more challenging than the gay claim, which he described as easier to substantiate due to its private nature.

Staged Relationships and Public Testimony

Akhand recommended hiring a fake partner to provide a letter of support, ensuring the asylum interview would include fabricated proof of a relationship. He also stressed the importance of attending events for former Muslims, as public statements during live videos could strengthen the claim.

“For gay cases, it’s private, but politics and atheism are public,” he said, highlighting the difficulty in proving these stories.

Despite the lack of authenticity, Akhand assured the investigator that proper evidence would guarantee success. “Everyone is being successful, God willing,” he claimed, suggesting that the system was susceptible to these tactics.

Barrister Without a Licence

Akhand, who qualified as a barrister in 2022, lacks a practicing licence, raising questions about his credibility. Yet, he confidently connected the undercover reporter with individuals capable of generating the necessary false evidence. This scenario underscores the growing role of unregulated legal advisors in facilitating deceptive asylum applications.