Inside the Fake Asylum Industry
The Deception Behind Asylum Claims
Asylum applicants and their consultants employ fabricated documents and staged scenarios to support their misleading assertions. Techniques range from creating counterfeit news platforms to orchestrating fake demonstrations and fabricating personal identities, such as claiming to be atheists or homosexual individuals. These methods are part of a coordinated effort to mislead immigration authorities, as revealed during the first phase of an investigative series exploring the UK’s immigration framework.
During a covert operation in early April, an undercover reporter was trained in the process of submitting false asylum applications at a London-based office near Mile End Road. Posing as a Bangladeshi student who had recently left university, he expressed interest in asylum as a means to remain in the country. Zahid Hasan Akhand, introduced as a barrister, guided him through the options, emphasizing how to manipulate the Home Office with deceptive narratives.
The Role of Legal Advisers
Akhand outlined three potential pathways for asylum: persecution due to sexual orientation, religious convictions, or political beliefs. While he would manage the legal formalities, the undercover reporter was expected to choose a fabricated identity—whether as a non-religious individual, a homosexual person, or a political dissident. Each claim required significant preparation, including the creation of supporting evidence.
“No system exists to verify if someone is truly an atheist or not,” Akhand stated. “You simply declare it, and that becomes your justification.” He added, “For gay cases, it’s private, but politics and atheism are public, making them harder to substantiate.”
The cost of a legal fee was £1,500, covering preparation for interviews and mock sessions. However, additional expenses were necessary for generating credible evidence. For instance, if the reporter aimed to present himself as an atheist, he would need to produce social media content criticizing Islam or the Prophet Muhammad. “Religious clerics will then make threatening comments, giving the illusion of persecution,” Akhand explained.
To bolster claims, the undercover reporter would also be introduced to online platforms and magazines that publish articles for a fee, further reinforcing the fabricated story. Akhand recommended using AI tools like ChatGPT to draft such content. Additionally, attending events for former Muslims and participating in live video discussions were suggested to add authenticity.
Strategies for Success
Akhand claimed that the political route was more complex, requiring a legal argument against the applicant’s home country. In contrast, the gay claim was simpler, as past histories were less scrutinized. “Most people in these groups aren’t actually gay,” he noted, suggesting the undercover reporter could rely on fake partners to provide letters of support.
“If you follow the process and arrange the evidence correctly, everyone succeeds,” Akhand asserted. “God willing, the case will hold up.” He instructed the reporter to first decide between atheism or homosexuality as the basis for the claim, then “I will draw you a full outline.”
Despite his qualifications as a barrister since 2022, Akhand does not possess a practicing license, raising questions about the legitimacy of his role in the scheme. The investigation highlights how these tactics are used to exploit the asylum process, creating a system where fabricated identities and evidence can secure residency for migrants who may not meet the genuine criteria.
