Illegal adviser sentenced for providing unregulated immigration advice

02/02/2012

Anil Sanghani, a Hertfordshire resident was sentenced today, 2 February 2012, at the City of Westminster Magistrates Court on 2 counts of illegally providing immigration advice.

Sanghani, (55) ran Law Associates based in Ballards Lane, Finchley, London. 

The OISC investigated Law Associates in June 2011, after receiving a complaint from the Solicitors Regulation Authority.  Sanghani was found not to be regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) or by any other body.

Sanghani received 200 hours community service, and was ordered to pay court costs of £848.60 and compensation to the victims of £3,750.00.

Immigration Services Commissioner, Suzanne McCarthy, said: The law exists to protect people from unscrupulous immigration advisers.  It is my Offices responsibility, to enforce the law and I will prosecute those who flout the law and take advantage of their clients.

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 & Stakeholders at the OISC, on 0207 211 1635.