A Kent man is among four people jailed for forging marriage certificates, allowing people to live in the UK illegally.

Abraham Alade Olarotimi Onifade, from Gravesend, helped to forge more than 2,000 documents alongside other members of an organised crime group.

Nigerian nationals Abayomi Aderinsoye Shodipo, from Manchester, Nosimot Mojisola Gbadamosi, from Bolton, and Adekunle Kabir, from London, were also part of the gang.

The group has been jailed for a total of 13 years after a hearing at Woolwich Crown Court.

The court heard how, between March 2019 and May 2023, the defendants conspired to make fraudulent EU Settlement Scheme applications.

They provided false Nigerian Customary Marriage Certificates and other fraudulent documentation to support the applications of Nigerian nationals in order to remain in the UK.

An investigation led by Home Office Criminal and Financial Investigators, in partnership with Home Office International Operations based in Lagos, uncovered more than 2,000 false marriage documents forged by the gang.

Onifade and Shodipo were both found guilty at trial of conspiracy to facilitate and conspiracy to provide articles used in fraud.

Gbadamosi was convicted of obtaining leave to remain by deception and fraud by false representation.

Kabir was found guilty of possession of an identity document with improper intention but cleared of obtaining leave to remain by deception.

At sentencing yesterday (August 27) Onifade received six years behind bars, Shodipo five years, Gbadamosi 18 months and Kabir nine months.

Home Office Investigation supervisor, chief immigration officer Paul Moran said: “This group was absolutely prolific in their desire to abuse our borders and have rightly been brought to justice.

“As with many gangs we encounter, their sole priority was financial gain.

“I am delighted that my team was able to intercept their operation, and I hope these convictions will serve as a warning to unscrupulous gangs who exploit people's desperation to remain in the UK.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to secure our borders and clamp down on the gangs who prey on vulnerable people to make money.”