Five Albanian men have been charged with fraud and immigration offences following Home Office raids across England and Wales on 17 June. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed the men allegedly used fake marriages to EU nationals, submitting counterfeit documents to claim UK residency under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Fake Marriages Uncovered
The men reportedly submitted false marriage certificates, supposedly from weddings in Cyprus, to exploit post-Brexit residency rules designed for EU citizens and their families.
Charged Individuals
- Kastriot Hoxha, 31, Sina Ervin, 35, Kadri Sinamati, 28, and Valdet Qoshi, 40, face charges for fraud and immigration offences.
- Hoxha also faces a separate cannabis possession charge.
- Denis Hani, 30, has pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation and related offences at Birkenhead Magistrates’ Court.
Court Dates Set
All five men are in custody. The four defendants yet to plead will appear at Sheffield Crown Court on 16 July for a plea hearing.
Hani will be sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on the same day.
Prosecutor Comments
Shaun Sigamoney, Senior District Crown Prosecutor, said: “Prosecutors have charged the men with fraud and immigration offences over alleged fake marriages so they could live in the UK. While one defendant has pleaded guilty, it does not affect the case against the remaining four, who are entitled to a fair trial.”
He urged caution in reporting to avoid prejudicing ongoing legal proceedings.
