Home Office worker arrested for ‘selling’ UK residency

2 comments

1. >BBC News NI has spoken to the intended victim, who we are calling Renas to protect his identity.

   >He said he was contacted by a worker employed as an asylum “decision maker” in the north of England.

   >Renas said he received a call in early March 2024 where it was claimed “95% of people like you” have their applications refused.

   >The decision maker then allegedly suggested a direct payment would guarantee success.

   >”He said I could be sure he would refuse my application,” Renas said.

   >”But if I could help him, he could help me and he asked for some money. He asked for £2,000.

   >”He basically offered me a positive decision.”

   >Renas, a former journalist, said at first he thought it was “a total scam”, but it became clear to him the man on the phone did work for the Home Office.

   >”He had all my information. He gave me very specific details from my application.”

   >Renas recorded a subsequent video call he received from the decision maker, which he passed to police and which has also been seen by the BBC.

   >The footage appears to show an individual using a laptop which has official Home Office software containing case files.

   >”He targeted the most vulnerable people in society,” Renas said.

   >”There will be other asylum seekers who are going through the same process, or maybe there are some people who have already been scammed like this. I feel this is my responsibility to inform them.

   >”I was persecuted in my home country by the authorities. I was already afraid of the Home Office and other institutions here.”

   >Renas raised concerns with his solicitor who alerted the authorities.

2. Fair play to the guy for having the decency to report it.