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A BBC investigation has secretly recorded a solicitor, Mohammad Alias Yousaf—also known as Alias—discussing ways to potentially eliminate a £45,000 fine for illegal employment. Alias spoke to an undercover reporter pretending to be a mini-mart owner who was fined after employing an undocumented worker. According to Alias, the fine could be avoided if someone abroad agreed to claim ownership of the business.
Based in Bradford, Alias reportedly explained to the undercover client that he could shift the penalty’s responsibility to another individual located overseas, thereby nullifying the fine on the UK-based business. However, Alias has firmly denied ever advising clients to use such methods or to submit false information to the Home Office. Recent Home Office data acquired by the BBC shows that more than £150 million remains unpaid in illegal-working fines. Following the BBC’s report, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced a forthcoming review of how these fines are managed and enforced, praising the BBC for uncovering attempts to undermine immigration regulations.
The solicitor first attracted attention during a broader BBC probe into illegal working practices connected to various High Street outlets, including mini-marts and barbershops. Several videos on social media platforms, many targeting Kurdish communities in the UK, featured endorsements from business owners who claimed Alias had successfully helped them cancel immigration-related fines. These videos—some with over 20,000 views—frequently mentioned Alias’s law firm, Liberty Solicitors. One shopkeeper speaking in Kurdish recounted his failed attempts to resolve a penalty until Alias intervened and got the fine withdrawn, providing documentary proof.
Engaging with Alias directly, the undercover reporter posed as a business owner seeking help after a supposed fine for illegal employment. Although no actual shop or worker existed, Alias demanded a 10% fee of the fine upfront—£4,500 in this scenario. He suggested presenting a “ghost director,” someone living abroad who could be listed as the official business owner, effectively transferring liability internationally. Alias even asked if the reporter had anyone “who we can use,” naming hypothetical individuals by way of example. This practice, known as employing ghost directors, is a known illegal tactic according to law enforcement sources.
During a meeting at Alias’s Bradford office, equipped with a hidden camera, the undercover reporter provided £250 as an initial payment, despite Alias’s original request for £500. Alias appeared displeased but accepted the money without issuing a receipt. The reporter then introduced a supposed contact from Kurdistan named Saman, who was actually another undercover journalist. Alias repeatedly pressed Saman to declare he was the true owner of the mini-mart, although Saman admitted he was not and had never seen the business. Alias insisted that he could only proceed if Saman confirmed ownership, but encouraged him by downplaying possible consequences, claiming the authorities would not be able to collect the fine.
In later communications, Alias appeared to retract his offer of assistance and stated he would return the £250 deposit. Despite this, the money has not yet been repaid, though Alias claims Liberty Solicitors has made several attempts to refund the sum. Home Secretary Mahmood said the forthcoming review would focus on enhancing the government’s ability to address non-compliance and ensure fines are paid. Alias maintains his innocence, stressing that he never advises clients to falsify ownership or mislead the Home Office, and that his legal work focuses solely on legitimate challenges to penalties, typically arguing that the alleged employee was not actually working for the business. When the undercover reporter suggested transferring ownership dishonestly, Alias said he rejected the case in writing
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