Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Watchdog shuts down legal firms involved in false asylum claims scandal

The affected firms are Rashid & Rashid in South Wimbledon, Kingswright Solicitors in Birmingham, and Lincoln Lawrence in Hounslow

Watchdog shuts down legal firms involved in false asylum claims scandal

Three law firms facing accusations of misconduct in handling asylum applications have been closed down by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

The affected firms are Rashid & Rashid in South Wimbledon, Kingswright Solicitors in Birmingham, and Lincoln Lawrence in Hounslow.


The closure follows an undercover operation carried out by the Daily Mail, wherein numerous solicitors were found to be willing to assist an undercover reporter, who posed as an economic migrant, in filing fraudulent asylum applications in exchange for large sums of money.

Alongside the firm closures, the SRA has suspended the practising certificates of three solicitors, each representing one of the affected firms, The Guardian reported.

The firms came under scrutiny after a Daily Mail investigation exposed their alleged involvement in charging exorbitant fees for submitting false asylum and human rights claims.

An undercover reporter from the newspaper revealed that despite indicating their lack of legitimate right to stay in the UK, assistance in obtaining refugee status was offered.

A legal adviser had been caught in the undercover operation, wherein the illegal migrant, who was actually the undercover reporter, that he would fabricate stories of torture, death threats, and modern slavery to support the migrant's refugee status application.

In response to the situation, the justice secretary, Alex Chalk, urged the SRA to take firm action against any proven cases of wrongdoing.

In a letter to Chalk, Anna Bradley, chair of the SRA board, expressed her shock at the solicitors' apparent behaviour.

The SRA obtained recordings and transcripts of conversations with four solicitors involved in the case, which are currently under review.

The SRA which is as the independent regulatory body responsible for overseeing solicitors in England and Wales has initiated an urgent on-site inspection of two of the firms involved in the asylum application misconduct.

This inspection aims to gather additional evidence related to the case.

Based on the evidence available, the SRA has taken immediate action by intervening into three firms, resulting in the suspension of the individual solicitors involved and the closure of the firms.

The solicitors and firms implicated in the investigation are Rashid Khan from Rashid & Rashid, located in Wimbledon, South London; Muhammad Ahmad from Kingswright solicitors in Birmingham; and Muhammad Hayat from Lincoln Lawrence solicitors in Hounslow, West London.

The 3 Lawyers Lawyer Lingajothy (left), Rashid Ahmad Khan (top right) and Muhammad Azfar (below right) - Image Credit: Twitter

Additionally, an order was issued against VP Lingajothy, formerly associated with Duncan Ellis Solicitors in South London, which restricts him from working in another solicitor firm without the SRA's permission.

The SRA's intervention not only halted the firms' operations but also led to the acquisition of all documents, papers, and funds held by the firms, including clients' money.

Another solicitor firm has been appointed as an agent to handle all existing matters related to the firms under investigation.

Challenges to the interventions can be made at the high court, but if they are unsuccessful or no challenges are made, the firms will remain closed.

The SRA has declared that it will continue its investigation into the raised issues that led to the intervention, without disclosing further details at this stage of their work.

Following a thematic review into immigration work and the publication of guidance last year, Bradley informed Chalk that the SRA would begin a broader inspection of the immigration sector.

This inspection will focus on compliance with their new guidance and will involve a cross-section of firms operating in the asylum sector.

In addition, the SRA plans to expand and promote information on rules and best practices, including new guidance that reflects the latest investigation.

Furthermore, the SRA will publish new information aimed at providing guidance to asylum seekers and interpreters.

More For You

Southport

Floral tributes left by members of the public are seen following the fatal knife attack on three young girls in July in Southport.

Reuters

Public inquiry begins into Southport girls' murders

A PUBLIC inquiry begins on Tuesday into the murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport last year.

The inquiry will examine whether the attack could have been prevented and how future incidents might be avoided.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less