Authorities have arrested a second woman, suspected of involvement in an immigration scam to take the UK citizenship test on behalf of others.
The 42-year-old is being held on suspicion of donning multiple disguises to fraudulently take the Life in the UK test for 12 other people.
In an early morning raid in Kent, Immigration Enforcement officers found multiple wigs, believed to have been used for different disguises by the suspect.
Officers acted on intelligence that the woman had allegedly completed exams across multiple test centres in the UK, disguising herself and doctoring ID documents to avoid suspicion.
A stock image of passports
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Friday’s operation follows the arrest of a 61 year old woman in north London last month, on suspicion of the same offence.
The Life in the UK Test is a requirement for anyone seeking to obtain indefinite leave to remain, or to become a British citizen.
It consists of 24 questions aimed at proving the applicant has sufficient knowledge of British values, history and society.
During Friday morning’s search operation, officers discovered a second woman who attempted to evade detection by hiding under a bed. The woman, in her 20s, was arrested on suspicion of entering the UK illegally.
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A set of photos of the suspect in a disguise
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The search also resulted in seizures of several suspected false documents and a hoard of luxury goods, including designer handbags, watches and shoes suspected to have been purchased through proceeds of crime.
Authorities say fraudsters completing the test for others could result in people being wrongly granted the right to remain in the country without proper due diligence, potentially putting the public at risk.
The Home Office said the latest arrests are part of a wider investigation by Criminal and Financial Investigators into this type of false representation.
Border Security Minister, Dame Angela Eagle said: “This arrest – the second made in less than two weeks – goes to show that those who flout UK immigration laws for their own gain will be caught and will face consequences.
A passport from the counter of the London Passport Office
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“It comes on the heels of the introduction of the Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill – legislation that takes learning from the effects of counterterrorism laws and applies it to organised immigration crime.”
Chris Foster, the London Lead for Criminal and Financial Investigations at the Home Office said: “We have been actively taking action against those involved in this type of crime and will continue to do so.
“Anyone who benefits from such fraud will face the consequences.
“This individual went to extreme lengths, using wigs and disguises to impersonate others and cheat the immigration system, showing a complete disregard for UK safety and immigration laws.”
Both suspects remain in custody, as authorities continue their investigation.