Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner
Mr Oluseyi Ajayi aged 43, of Drake Road, Chafford Hundred, Grays, Essex was convicted on Monday 16 January 2017 at the Chelmsford Magistrates Court of providing unregulated immigration advice and services between 1 December 2010 and 24 January 2012.
Mr Ajayi was sentenced to 5 months imprisonment and ordered to pay 4,000 compensation and an 80 victim surcharge, on his release.
On sentencing the magistrates said:
The offence for which you were convicted of providing immigration advice and services is so serious that only an immediate custodial sentence can be justified. This is because this offence took place over a long period of time between 2010 and 2012, and a significant amount of money was involved.
The victims were vulnerable and have suffered significant levels of stress, loss and harm; worse still their immigration status is severely at risk. It could be argued that you acted in a fraudulent manner misleading the victims, presenting false documents and misrepresenting yourself to them. All of these are reasons why an immediate custodial sentence is necessary.
Speaking about the decision, Deputy Immigration Services Commissioner Dr Ian Leigh, said:
These offences are serious. Immigrants often find themselves in a vulnerable position. Mr Ajayi demonstrated what can happen when unqualified individuals hold themselves out as immigration advisers, and I am delighted with the outcome of this case.