Six immigration officers have been charged with a range of offences, including allegedly stealing money from migrants and laundering criminal proceeds.
According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the alleged incidents took place between August 2021 and November 2022. Prosecutors confirmed they worked closely with the Home Office’s anti-corruption unit during the investigation.
All six defendants are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 29 January.
One of the defendants, Besmir Matera, 36, from Reigate, Surrey, faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to steal, misconduct in public office, money laundering, obtaining leave to enter or remain in the UK by deception, and three counts of possessing identity documents with improper intent.
The remaining defendants – Lee-Ann Evanson, 52, from Bracknell; John Bernthal, 53, from Welling; Ben Edwardes, 45, from Bexleyheath; and Jack Mitchell, 33, from Dover – have each been charged with conspiracy to steal, misconduct in public office, and money laundering.
The CPS stated that the case highlights its commitment to tackling corruption and safeguarding public trust in the immigration system.