"A thoroughly dishonest con man" sentenced for providing Illegal Immigration Advice and Services

09/08/2011

On 9 August 2011, Shacky Herbert MUKWAKWAMI, a West Bromwich resident, was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court for two counts of providing illegal immigration advice and services.

Mukwakwami (49) who traded as Bridge-Gap human resources Ltd was based in West Bromwich, West Midlands.  He was not authorised by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) to provide immigration advice, although he was required to be so.

Despite a prosecution being started against him in November 2010, he continued to trade illegally and take advantage of vulnerable people and further proceedings were brought against him in January 2011.

Mukwakwami pleaded guilty to two counts and was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment, suspended for two years, with each count to run concurrently.  He was also sentenced to do 150 hours of Community Service and ordered to pay £8,575 in compensation and costs.

In sentencing Mukwakwami the Recorder Abigail Nixon stated, Youre a thoroughly dishonest con man trying to extort money from vulnerable people.

The Immigration Services Commissioner, Suzanne McCarthy, said, The victims in this case were in a desperate situation and Mr Mukwakwami exploited them for his own financial gain. Illegally providing immigration advice is a serious matter and ruins lives.

Notes to the Editor:

1.  The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) is an independent public body set up under the  Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

2.  Since 30 April 2001 it has been a criminal offence for an adviser to provide immigration advice or services unless their organisation:
 has registered with the OISC;
 has been exempted from registration by the OISC or ministerial order; or is otherwise qualified under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

3.  The OISC is responsible for ensuring that all immigration advisers fulfil the requirements of good practice. The OISC is committed to the elimination of unscrupulous advisers and the fair and thorough investigation of complaints. Whilst it does not regulate solicitors it does take complaints against solicitors.

4.  For more information contact Clyde James, Head of Policy, Publications and Stakeholders at the OISC, on 0207 211 1635.