Two sentenced in Birmingham over EU Treaty Rights scam

Birmingham Crown Court sentenced two men on Tuesday 6 January 2026 following an investigation by the Immigration Advice Authority. The case centred on unregulated immigration advice and a false route built around “EU Treaty Rights”. Clients were told to travel to Ireland to obtain identification and bank details to make it look as if they had relocated, typically after paying around £5,000. No genuine applications followed and contact dried up for many after payment. Syed Ali Shah Gilani, 51, of Solihull, admitted three counts under section 84 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 and received 14 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, plus £11,000 in compensation and a victim surcharge. Risalat Hussain, 38, of Wolverhampton, admitted one count of fraud by false representation under the Fraud Act 2006 and was fined £250, payable within three months. (gov.uk)

Why this matters to you: immigration advice shapes big life decisions, from visas to family reunions. Shortcuts that promise status quickly for a large fee are risky. If someone says they can arrange documents abroad and “sort everything” while you stay hands‑off, pause and verify before you part with money.

UK law is clear about who can give immigration advice. Only “qualified persons” may provide immigration advice or services, which usually means being registered with the Immigration Advice Authority or regulated by a legal professional body. Giving advice without being qualified is a criminal offence under section 84 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. (legislation.gov.uk)

Fraud by false representation is also relevant here. Under the Fraud Act 2006, it is an offence to dishonestly make a false representation with intent to make a gain or cause a loss. The law does not require a loss to have happened, only the intent. (legislation.gov.uk)

You can quickly check whether an adviser is regulated. Use the IAA’s Adviser Register to confirm a name, IAA reference number and authorisation level, or use the Adviser Finder to locate regulated organisations near you. Always look for an authorisation level that matches the help you need and keep screenshots or references of what you find. Guidance for advice seekers on GOV.UK explains how these tools work. (gov.uk)

If something feels wrong, report it. You can complain about poor service from a registered adviser or report unregulated advice through GOV.UK. The complaints page explains what you can and cannot complain about, how to send evidence, and how the IAA will handle your case. (gov.uk)

If you think you’ve been affected, save everything-receipts, emails, messages, and any paperwork. Tell your bank immediately if you paid by card or transfer. Then speak to a regulated adviser or a trusted charity for guidance on your options. Do not hand over your passport or original documents to anyone who will not give you a receipt and a clear timeline for next steps.

Enforcement is tightening. The government has trailed new powers in the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration legislation, including fines of up to £15,000 for rogue immigration advisers, alongside stronger regulatory action by the IAA. (gov.uk)

What this means in practice: you have tools to protect yourself. Check an adviser’s status before any payment, walk away from pressure tactics, and use the IAA complaints routes if you’re worried. Teachers and students can use this case to practise evidence‑checking: note the exact offences, the dates, and the regulator’s role, then trace each point back to official sources.