19 UK visa applicants arrested for fraud
Dhaka, May 27 (UNB) - Police arrested 19 UK visa applicants at the British High Commission in Dhaka for fraud on Thursday.
A release of the British High Commission said the applicants had provided forged documentation and false statements with their business visitor visa applications to attend the London Boishaki Mela as stall holders.
The Bangladesh police worked in close cooperation with the UK Border Agency and discovered that the applicants had misrepresented their employment status, and produced forged bank statements.
The group admitted that they had paid agents up to Tk 10 Lakh (approximately £10,000) each to facilitate their visa applications and provide forged documents.
British Deputy High Commissioner Nick Low said they welcome all genuine visitors to the United Kingdom, whether they come for business as tourists or to visit their families. ‘’However, we don’t tolerate abuse of our immigration system and have a zero tolerance to fraud, as this case shows,’’ he said.
He said they advise anyone wanting to obtain a visa to visit the UK not to listen to agents who offer to sell forged documents and say they can guarantee a visa. “They’re criminals who have absolutely no influence over the decision or how quickly it is made.”
He said the UK Border Agency in Bangladesh has an integrated fraud assessment unit, which successfully uncovers and investigates high volumes of fraud and forgery in UK visa applications.
In cases, such as this, he said, the unit works closely with the
Bangladeshi Police and other Embassies and High Commissions to ensure the integrity of documentation, and to identify and take action against fraud.
In cases of fraud, the UK Border Agency will refuse the UK visa application and ban the applicant from travelling to the UK for up to 10 years.
The Deputy High Commissioner said the Agency may also refer to the applicant and any agent involved to the Bangladesh Police for further investigation and possible charges.
A release of the British High Commission said the applicants had provided forged documentation and false statements with their business visitor visa applications to attend the London Boishaki Mela as stall holders.
The Bangladesh police worked in close cooperation with the UK Border Agency and discovered that the applicants had misrepresented their employment status, and produced forged bank statements.
The group admitted that they had paid agents up to Tk 10 Lakh (approximately £10,000) each to facilitate their visa applications and provide forged documents.
British Deputy High Commissioner Nick Low said they welcome all genuine visitors to the United Kingdom, whether they come for business as tourists or to visit their families. ‘’However, we don’t tolerate abuse of our immigration system and have a zero tolerance to fraud, as this case shows,’’ he said.
He said they advise anyone wanting to obtain a visa to visit the UK not to listen to agents who offer to sell forged documents and say they can guarantee a visa. “They’re criminals who have absolutely no influence over the decision or how quickly it is made.”
He said the UK Border Agency in Bangladesh has an integrated fraud assessment unit, which successfully uncovers and investigates high volumes of fraud and forgery in UK visa applications.
In cases, such as this, he said, the unit works closely with the
Bangladeshi Police and other Embassies and High Commissions to ensure the integrity of documentation, and to identify and take action against fraud.
In cases of fraud, the UK Border Agency will refuse the UK visa application and ban the applicant from travelling to the UK for up to 10 years.
The Deputy High Commissioner said the Agency may also refer to the applicant and any agent involved to the Bangladesh Police for further investigation and possible charges.
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