Gravesend company director convicted for providing illegal immigration advice
Gravesend company director sentenced to 5 months imprisonment after being convicted of providing illegal immigration advice and services
Mr Prince Adewale Adeola , aged 53 years of Poplar Avenue, Gravesend, Kent, was today, sentenced to 5 months imprisonment at Woolwich Crown Court, having pleaded guilty to 11 charges of providing unregulated immigration advice.
Mr Adeola is the company director of Vinbrooke Legal Practitioners, 26 Harmer Street, Gravesend, Kent where clients met with him to discuss their immigration issues. Mr Adeola had misrepresented his company as being qualified to provide immigration advice and services. Mr Adeola had previously been the subject of disciplinary action by his regulator, CILEx, for providing unqualified immigration advice and or services for which he was fined £500.
In sentencing, HHJ Miller, said:
“You knew the regulations in respect of providing immigration advice. Public interest in such matters is obvious, given the desperate circumstances of those seeking immigration advice. The consequences of immigration proceedings are hugely important and in most cases dealing with complex matters. It is right that people who charge for such services must be qualified. In sentencing you, it is your conduct, which will have the most impact on your family.”
Speaking about the decision, the Deputy Immigration Services Commissioner, Ian Leigh, said:
“We have clear standards outlining what we expect in terms of the fitness and competence of regulated advisers. Prince Adewole Adeola chose to operate outside the law. I am delighted with the outcome of this case, and I hope this sends a clear message to other people considering providing immigration advice - either act within the law or you will find yourself in court.”