Bogus websites, staged protests and pretend atheists: Inside the fake asylum industry

Strategies in the Fraudulent Network

From fabricated news sites to orchestrated political demonstrations, asylum seekers and their consultants are deploying inventive tactics to fabricate claims. These methods range from invented health conditions to phony online identities, forming a deceptive system that exploits legal loopholes. The first phase of our covert investigation revealed how migrants are charged for guidance on simulating gay identities to qualify for asylum. Other tactics include commissioning articles in atheist publications and hiring actors to mimic same-sex relationships.

The Undercover Reporter’s Journey

During a late April evening in east London, an undercover journalist visited a bustling office near Mile End Road. Posing as a Bangladeshi university dropout contemplating residency, he engaged with Zahid Hasan Akhand, who claimed to be a barrister. Akhand outlined three asylum pathways: persecution based on sexual orientation, religious beliefs, or political views. He assured the reporter that he would manage the legal aspects, leaving the choice of claim type to the individual.

Building Credible Evidence

Akhand emphasized that each path required meticulous preparation. For a £1,500 fee, he promised assistance with paperwork and mock interviews. However, the reporter would need to generate supporting evidence to appear genuine. Akhand claimed to have contacts who could help create this, with costs ranging from £2,000 to £3,000 depending on the chosen route.

“For gay cases, it’s private, but politics and atheism are public. So establishing that is a bit difficult.”

For an atheist claim, the process began with social media posts attacking Islam or the Prophet Muhammad. Akhand suggested using AI tools like ChatGPT to draft articles and blogs, enhancing the claim’s credibility. The reporter would also need to attend events by groups for ex-Muslims and speak publicly to align with the “live video era.” He noted that fake identities could be created even in Bangladesh, as “no system checks who is truly an atheist.”

“Everyone is being successful, God willing. If you listen and get the evidence arranged properly, it will be successful.”

The political route, Akhand admitted, was more complex, requiring a legal argument against the applicant’s home country. Gay claims, however, were simpler, as “they will not dig too much into your past story.” He offered to connect the reporter with individuals who had experience crafting such narratives. For instance, a fake gay claim might involve fabricated club memberships and a partner who writes a testimonial letter affirming the relationship. “Most of the people there are not gay,” Akhand remarked, highlighting the ease of manipulation in the system.

Akhand’s Credentials and Uncertainties

Akhand qualified as a barrister in 2022 but lacks a practicing license. This raises questions about the legitimacy of his role in the scheme. Despite this, he remained confident in the system’s effectiveness, asserting that fabricated evidence could secure asylum regardless of the individual’s true beliefs. The covert reporter was left to decide whether to pursue a claim based on atheism, gay identity, or political activism, with Akhand promising a “full outline” once the choice was made.