A security director of an Approved Contractor Scheme company was jailed for seven years for immigration offences following SIA investigations with the UK Border Agency.
SIA supported the UK Border Agency (now titled the UK Visas and Immigration), in its investigation and prosecution of Dr Yilkyes Finok Tonglele Bala, director of Golden Shield Security Limited and Mayfair and Knightsbridge Guarding Limited.
Mark Burtonwood, SIA Business Approvals Risk Manager worked closely with the UK Border Agency staff throughout the investigation. He provided guidance and advice on what is required of approved contractors including what measures should be in place for the screening and vetting of staff and determining their right to work in the UK.
Bala and his associates obtained fraudulent Home Office travel documents, issued by a corrupt Home Office employee, and gave illegal immigrants references and jobs.
Once sufficient evidence of the illegal activity was gathered the SIA removed the company’s ACS accreditation to protect the integrity of the scheme.