Immigration officers charged with stealing from migrants

"All six defendants will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court next month. Mr McHaffie said: Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings. We have worked closely with the Home Office's Anti-Corruption Criminal Investigations Unit as they carried out their investigation."

"A Home Office spokesperson said: These are extremely concerning allegations and it is right that criminal proceedings now run their course. When this information came to light, all six of these individuals were immediately suspended. We expect all of our officers to meet the highest standards. Where those standards are breached, we will take action without hesitation."

"The CPS said it wanted to remind everyone that this case is active and it is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."

Six immigration officers were suspended, arrested and charged following a Home Office investigation into alleged thefts from migrants and money laundering between August 2021 and November 2022. Five officers face charges of conspiracy to steal and misconduct in public office; all six face money laundering charges. Besmir Matera is additionally charged with obtaining leave to enter and remain in the UK by deception and possessing an identity document with improper intention. Three officers have been dismissed. All six defendants will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court next month. Prosecutors and the Home Office cited sufficient evidence and public interest in pursuing the case, and warned against prejudicial reporting.

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