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A paralegal working at a Huddersfield solicitor’s office has been dismissed after secretly recorded footage revealed him boasting about helping businesses evade substantial immigration fines. Zohaib Hussain admitted he could create “documents” such as “business agreements” for £3,500 to assist companies in avoiding penalties that can reach up to £60,000 for employing illegal workers. RKS Solicitors, Hussain’s employer, confirmed his permanent dismissal came the day after the BBC investigation aired and that a police report had been filed. Hussain has vehemently denied all allegations against him.
The Home Office responded to a series of BBC exposés by launching an urgent inquiry alongside the National Crime Agency and multiple police forces. These reports uncovered a Kurdish crime syndicate enabling migrants to work illegally in mini-marts across the UK, with one key figure boasting about having “customers in every city” and facilitating unauthorized employment. Political leaders expressed concern that such organized networks were attracting increased illegal migration into the country.
In one particular sting operation, an undercover BBC reporter posing as a mini-mart owner—who had recently received a hefty immigration fine—met with Hussain. During the encounter, Hussain probed the reporter about the details of the fake business and the nature of the fines, asking questions like, “How many illegal workers? So how much is the fine? How many times did they catch you?” He joked about the products sold, referencing vapes, both legal and illegal, before outlining methods to evade immigration penalties. Hussain explained that sometimes it was necessary to fabricate documents, like business agreements, and suggested transferring fines to other names only as a last resort. He warned that immigration officials would act quickly, miming a throat-cutting gesture to emphasize the urgency and severe consequences. Hussain assured the undercover reporter that for £3,500, he would “look after us.”
Present throughout the meeting was a man identified as Shaxawan, later revealed by the BBC to be a central figure in a criminal network facilitating illegal employment. Known officially as Kardos Mateen, Shaxawan has served as director of 18 companies in northern England, many of which are High Street mini-marts. He admitted to the undercover reporters that he and his associates help migrants, including asylum seekers, establish businesses illegally and “confuse” immigration enforcement efforts. Hussain encouraged the reporter to forward any future correspondence from Immigration Enforcement to Shaxawan.
Hussain has publicly distanced himself from Shaxawan, stating, “For clarity, the individual named in your correspondence, Mr Shaxawan Jawad, is not associated with me in any capacity; professional, personal, or otherwise.” He maintained he has never engaged in, promoted, or tolerated illegal activities. In response, Shaxawan, via email, denied all allegations and denied any connection with RKS Solicitors or employment by the firm. RKS Solicitors confirmed notifying the Solicitors Regulation Authority about the issue, emphasizing Hussain’s role was limited to a paralegal position under supervision without authority to provide immigration or tax advice. While the firm refrained from commenting on Shaxawan, it stated it does not condone unlawful conduct and upholds high standards of professionalism and integrity. West Yorkshire Police confirmed ongoing collaboration with the Home Office, which is leading the investigation triggered by the BBC’s findings
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