Wembley immigration advisor jailed for visa scam

Jayesh Patel provided his clients with paperwork which showed they were earning more than they were

An accredited immigration advisor who masterminded a scam which allowed people to stay in the UK illegally has been jailed for seven years.

Jayesh Patel, 35, of Talbot Road, Wembley, ran his audacious operation called immigration advice business Yana UK Ltd from a living room in his home.

Harrow Crown Court heard Patel had dozens of clients on his books, almost all of whom had applied to the Home Office for Tier 1 visas claiming to be highly skilled migrants.

A number of those clients were seemingly employed by a consultancy firm owned by Mehulkumar Makwana.

However, in reality the pair were using “cover” companies to provide their clients with payslips and wage payments which made it appear they were earning much more than they actually were.

Patel was arrested after officers from UK Border Agency’s West London Criminal and Financial Investigation team (UKBA) raided his home last September.

Makwana’s home in Ilford, Essex, was raided the same day and he too was arrested.

Patel was convicted of 19 counts of conspiring to defraud and Makwana was found guilty of nine charges.

Patel was jailed for seven years and Makwana will be sentenced on April 19.

Robert Coxhead, UKBA Senior investigating officer, said: “Patel ran a sophisticated and intricate scam designed to help people who would otherwise have no right to be here stay in the UK.

“Patel attempted to undermine the UK’s immigration laws and belongs behind bars.”

Patel, an Indian national, and Makwana may face a confiscation hearing where they will be made to pay back any money made through their scam.

Patel will also be deported once he is released from jail.