Sukhwinder Singh Kang, 33, from Camberley, Surrey, has been handed a suspended prison sentence after being found guilty of providing unregulated immigration advice and services.
The Southwark Crown Court sentenced Mr Kang to 16 months of imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, alongside 150 hours of unpaid community work and 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days. He is also mandated to pay a compensation order of £8,832 and a victim surcharge of £156, with no additional order for costs.
Mr Kang’s case sheds light on the deceptive practices employed by those posing as regulated advisers. Over the period of June 2020 to June 2021, he targeted vulnerable women through Facebook groups, falsely claiming to be an immigration adviser regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC).
Mr Kang misled his victims into believing that he was preparing and submitting their visa applications to the Home Office, obtaining considerable sums of money as advance fees. The victims, misled by forged certificates of his alleged qualifications, entrusted their identity documents to him.
When the victims threatened to report his actions, Mr Kang assured them of full refunds, compensation, and the return of their identity documents. However, none of the promises were fulfilled, leaving the victims without recourse. The victims subsequently notified the OISC, prompting an investigation.
John Tuckett, the Immigration Services Commissioner, remarked on the significance of the investigation, stating: “This investigation highlights the true value of our efforts in preventing illegal practices and protecting vulnerable individuals.” His statement underscores the efforts of the OISC in safeguarding the public from such fraudulent activities.
The case of Sukhwinder Singh Kang highlights the need for vigilance in selecting immigration advisers and the importance of regulatory bodies in protecting individuals from fraudulent activities.
