Firms Fined After £2.5M Immigration Scam Exposed at Old Bailey
Three directors behind a £2.5 million sham immigration business have been slapped with fines and compensation orders at the Old Bailey. Dan Romulus Dandes, Babbar Ali Jamil, and Zia Bi were caught offering dodgy, unqualified immigration advice, putting vulnerable clients through hell.
Crunch Sentences for Trio
- Dan Romulus Dandes – £20,000 compensation order + £750 fine
- Babbar Ali Jamil – £10,000 fine, handed in absentia as he’s believed to be abroad
- Zia Bi – £6,000 fine + £8,745 compensation order
The trio was found guilty in April 2020 after a two-year probe by the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) unveiled their illegal operation.
Judge Slams Impact on Victims
“The consequential loss and the impact on the complainants is far-reaching and in some cases devastating,” said Judge Munro.
Despite being of “previous good character,” the defendants claimed ignorance of their criminal wrongdoing. Both Ms Bi and Mr Dandes admitted negligence, accepting innocent people suffered due to their actions.
Clients Left Paying the Price
- One client forced to leave the UK permanently
- Another forked out £7,000 contesting a failed application
- Several had to fly to far-flung places like Shanghai and Bangkok only to face rejection
- A working couple were stranded in the UK for two years sorting out paperwork
John Tuckett, Immigration Services Commissioner, said:
“We welcome the fines imposed for illegal immigration advice that placed vulnerable people at risk. While the financial penalties can’t undo all the damage, this sends a clear message: always use regulated immigration advisers.”
The Scam Exposed
Dandes tried to bypass official regulation by setting up a supervision scheme through DDR Legal Services LLP, falsely claiming status as an EU registered lawyer. This loophole let firms dodge the Immigration Services Commissioner’s oversight.
The twist? Dandes never had the proper UK qualifications to supervise anyone, making all advice under his watch illegal and unregulated.
One firm he oversaw, Burlow & Spencer Ltd, faced a flood of complaints – 95 in total – about their dodgy immigration advice before shutting down in 2019.
This crackdown is a stark warning to anyone tempted to use unqualified immigration agents. The consequences can be devastating – and the law is watching.
