UK Charity Leader Arrested Amid Allegations of Aiding Asylum Fraud

Sajjad Miah, 42, a Bangladeshi trans woman granted asylum in the UK in 2013 on the grounds of sexuality, has been arrested on suspicion of fraud and immigration offenses. Miah, who founded the east London-based charity Apanjon, is accused by Home Office sources of charging asylum seekers up to £4,500 each to create fake evidence of their homosexuality. This evidence allegedly includes fabricated photographs and letters to support claims of persecution based on sexual orientation.

The Home Office is reportedly reviewing over 100 potentially fraudulent asylum applications linked to Apanjon. Immigration Enforcement officers raided Miah's home, seizing phones, jewelry, and cash. Two other individuals associated with Apanjon were also arrested, one on suspicion of fraud and immigration offenses, and a third on suspicion of being in the country illegally. The charity's office at Vine Court Businesses in Whitechapel was also targeted.

Miah, who stated she came to Britain fearing persecution in Bangladesh, founded Apanjon to assist other asylum seekers with similar experiences. She claims the organization is genuine and unfairly targeted. "We only give letters of support to LGBT people once we have observed them for six months and ensure that they are not lying about their sexuality," Miah said after her release on bail. She denied providing false documentation and stated that seized cash was for rent and jewelry belonged to her sister.

Immigration judges have previously questioned the credibility of evidence provided by Apanjon. The organization's website features images of men at Pride events and states its mission to campaign for equality and justice for the LGBT community in Bangladesh. It also advertises services including legal advice to protect LGBT individuals from persecution.

The number of asylum seekers allowed to stay in Britain citing sexual orientation has increased significantly in recent years. In 2023, 2,133 individuals were granted asylum on these grounds, a substantial rise from 762 in 2022 and 677 in 2021. Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nigeria accounted for the highest numbers of such applications. This trend has led to concerns about the potential for fraudulent claims.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that those faking persecution "mock real victims who need protection" and vowed to prosecute gangs profiting from fraud, with convictions carrying a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment.