Unqualified immigration director receives prison sentence after going on the run
OISC investigation uncovered a multi-million pound scheme
A man who fled to Dubai after he was found guilty of an immigration advice scam has been imprisoned on his return to the UK.
Babbar Ali Jamal, a director at DDR Legal Services LLP, was one of three people found guilty of providing unqualified immigration advice and/or services at the Old Bailey in April 2020 following a two-year investigation by the OISC which revealed fees in excess of £2.5m was generated .
Two of the defendants were sentenced last year at the Old Bailey Unregulated immigration advice earns Directors £17,000 fine - GOV.UK but Mr Jamal left the country even though he was bailed to attend court and in his absence was given a £10,000 fine.
In June 2022, having returned to the UK from Dubai, he gave himself up to the authorities.
At the original sentencing in January 2021, Judge Munro QC said:
“The consequential loss and the impact on the complainants is far-reaching and in some cases devastating.”
One victim had to leave the UK permanently; another paid £7000 in expenses to contest a failed application; others had to travel to Shanghai or Bangkok to submit applications which were bound to be rejected; and a couple who travelled for work were unable to leave the UK for two years while their documentation was sorted out.
Mr Jamal was last week sentenced at the Old Bailey to 20 weeks imprisonment and ordered to pay £500 prosecution costs for failing to surrender to bail. Judge Munro QC concluded that by absconding Mr Jamal had caused substantial interference with the administration of justice. He enjoyed a good quality of life with his family in Dubai while making no attempt to make payments towards the £10,000 fine imposed.
John Tuckett, Immigration Services Commissioner said: “Mr Jamal showed a total defiance of the law. This has been reflected in the sentence, and I hope this serves as a reminder to those who might otherwise choose this path.”
Burlow and Spencer Ltd subsequently ceased trading in 2019.
Notes to Editors
The OISC is an independent public body, established under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, to regulate the provision of immigration advice and services in the UK.
Media queries to the OISC via communications@oisc.gov.uk.