Bogus websites, staged protests and pretend atheists: Inside the fake asylum industry
Bogus Websites, Staged Protests and Pretend Atheists: Inside the Fake Asylum Industry
Undercover investigations have revealed a network of tactics designed to manipulate the asylum process, from counterfeit news platforms to orchestrated demonstrations and fabricated identities. These methods, employed by migrants and their consultants, aim to create convincing narratives that support false claims, forming a deceptive system that exploits legal procedures for financial gain.
The Undercover Asylum Process
In early April, an undercover reporter visited a London office near Mile End Road, where a barrister named Zahid Hasan Akhand guided him through a strategy to secure asylum. Posing as a Bangladeshi student planning to leave his studies, the reporter was advised on how to present a false story to the Home Office. Akhand outlined three possible paths: persecution based on sexual orientation, religious beliefs, or political views.
“You have to choose whether you will frame it as atheism, gay identity, or political activism,” Akhand said, emphasizing the need for tailored evidence. “I’ll handle the legal aspects, but the rest depends on your decision.”
Creating Credible Fabricated Evidence
According to Akhand, the process required more than just legal support. For a claim based on atheism, the reporter would need to generate social media content mocking Islam or the Prophet Muhammad. “Religious clerics will then comment on your posts, making threats to validate your story,” he explained. Such evidence would be shared with UK and Bangladesh-based atheist groups, which could publish the content for added authenticity.
“Using AI tools like ChatGPT, you can write articles or blogs. This makes it easier to present a credible narrative,” Akhand added, highlighting the role of technology in crafting false testimonies.
To bolster a gay claim, the reporter would be linked with fake partner networks. “A partner will provide a letter confirming your relationship,” he said, noting that club memberships and attendance records could also serve as proof. However, the political route demanded more effort, as it required constructing a legal argument against the applicant’s home country.
The Cost of Deception
Akhand charged £1,500 for legal guidance and up to £3,000 for generating supporting evidence. The undercover reporter was told to “decide your path first, then I’ll outline the steps.” Despite the need for fabricated details, Akhand claimed success was guaranteed if the evidence was properly arranged.
“Everyone ends up successful, God willing,” he said, suggesting that even if a claim was based on a false identity, the system would accept it if the materials were convincing.
Akhand, who qualified as a barrister in 2022, lacks a practicing license. This raises questions about the legitimacy of his role in the asylum process, as he connects migrants with individuals capable of staging elaborate deceptions. The industry thrives on exploiting gaps in verification, making it possible for someone to appear genuinely persecuted without prior scrutiny.
