Syed Ali Shah Gilani and Risalat Hussain were both sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court on Tuesday.

Gilani, 51, from Solihull, pleaded guilty on the day of trial in June 2025 to three counts of providing unqualified immigration advice and services, contrary to section 84 of the UK’s Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

He was sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years to run concurrently, along with £11,000 in victim compensation plus a victim surcharge.

Hussain, 38, from Wolverhampton, also pleaded guilty on the day of trial to one count of fraud by false representation contrary to sections 1 and 2 of the Fraud Act 2006, and was sentenced to a £250 fine, to be paid within three months. 

The UK’s Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) said Gilani provided unregulated immigration advice and services to vulnerable individuals seeking vital support.

Operating from multiple offices, he orchestrated an immigration scam that involved advising clients how to exploit EU treaty rights.

Individuals were charged approximately £5,000 each and instructed to travel to Ireland to fraudulently obtain documentation such as PPI numbers and bank accounts, with Gilani claiming he would manage all arrangements.

While some clients were met in Dublin and escorted to various institutions, no genuine applications were submitted.

The scheme was designed to create the illusion of relocation, enabling clients to apply for family members to gain EU status and return to the UK.

Clients were unable to contact Gilani after payment, and refund requests were largely ignored.

Hussain, while denying formal employment by Gilani, played a key role in facilitating communication between Gilani and the clients involved in the scam.

Gilani was authorised by the IAA to provide immigration advice and services at the highest level between 13 April 2011 and 31 January 2014.

The IAA launched an investigation following complaints from clients who had paid for services they did not receive.

Gaon Hart, the UK’s immigration services commissioner, said: “Mr Gilani was fully aware of the legal requirements to provide immigration advice, yet chose to abuse the system and exploit those most in need, including individuals who rely on advice to protect themselves.

“He acted unlawfully for personal gain — and was caught and investigated thanks to the great work of the Immigration Advice Authority.

“This sentencing sends a clear message: the Immigration Advice Authority is actively looking to protect the vulnerable and will disrupt and prosecute individuals providing unregulated immigration advice.

“This outcome would not have been possible without the courage and determination of the complainants, whose commitment was instrumental to this prosecution.

“The Immigration Advice Authority invites anyone harmed or at risk from illegal advisers to come forward, so that we can protect the vulnerable and ensure that legal immigration is supported while preventing illegal immigration.”