Manchester Adviser Convicted of Providing Illegal Immigration Advice and Services
28/06/2010
Manchester resident Muhammed Shakoori, (49) was yesterday (28 June 2010) convicted of illegally providing immigration advice and services at Manchester Crown Court.
Shakoori was regulated to provide advice at a certain level but deliberately flouted that requirement and practiced at a higher level, knowing that he was not allowed to do so.
Shakoori's activities and poor services came under investigation by the Office of the Immigration Services (OISC) when a complaint was made by an Immigration Judge who questioned Shakoori's level of qualification while representing a client at an immigration tribunal.
Shakoori was convicted on two counts of unlawfully providing immigration advice and services, fined £250.00 on each count and ordered to pay £500.00 in costs.
Speaking about the conviction, Immigration Services Commissioner, Suzanne McCarthy, said: The law exists to protect people from unscrupulous immigration advisers. It is my Offices responsibility to enforce the law and I will prosecute those who flout the law and take advantage of their clients.
Notes to the Editor:
1. The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) is an independent public body set up under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.
2. Since 30 April 2001 it has been a criminal offence for an adviser to provide immigration advice or services unless their organisation:
has registered with the OISC;
has been exempted from registration by the OISC or ministerial order; or
is otherwise qualified under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
3. The OISC is responsible for ensuring that all immigration advisers fulfil the requirements of good practice. The OISC is committed to the elimination of unscrupulous advisers and the fair and thorough investigation of complaints. Whilst it does not regulate solicitors it does take complaints against solicitors.
4. For more information contact Sharon Harris, Policy, Publications and Stakeholders Assistant at the OISC, on 020 7211 1619.
