Non-Practicing Barrister Convicted of Illegally Providing Immigration Advice
23/03/2010
Kwaku Boateng, (64) who pleaded guilty, was convicted at Southwark Crown Court for illegally giving immigration advice. Victims paid in excess of £7,500 for services, which they did not receive.
Boateng had previously been regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) but had been de-registered in January 2007.
As a non-practicing barrister, Boateng worked for Roraima Advice Services in Stepney, London, but later moved to Forest Gate, London, where he continued to operate illegally.
Judge Layton, sentenced Boateng to 30 months imprisonment suspended for two years.
Boateng was also ordered to pay compensation totalling £1,050.
The Immigration Services Commissioner, Suzanne McCarthy, said, The victims in this case were in a desperate situation and Mr Boateng exploited them for his own financial gain. Illegally providing immigration advice is a serious matter and ruins lives.
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, Assistant Communications Officer at the OISC, on 0207 211 1619.
