Four due in court in Sheffield over alleged fake marriage scam
Five Albanian nationals have been charged as part of the plot
Prosecutors have charged five Albanian men accused of orchestrating fake marriages to EU nationals to live and work in the UK.
The men allegedly used counterfeit licences claiming marriage to people who had residency rights under the EU Settlement Scheme post-Brexit.
The charges followed arrests made during Home Office raids across England and Wales on June 17.
Those charged include Kastriot Hoxha, 31, Sina Ervin, 35, Kadri Sinamati, 28, and Valdet Qoshi, 40.
All are facing fraud and immigration charges, with Hoxha also charged with possession of cannabis.
They have been remanded in custody and will appear at Sheffield Crown Court on July 16 for a plea hearing.
A fifth man, Denis Hani, 30, pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation and other offences and will be sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on July 16.
Shaun Sigamoney from the Crown Prosecution Service said: “Prosecutors have changed these men with fraud and immigration offences over alleged fake marriages so they could live in the UK."
"While one man has pleaded guilty that has no bearing on the case of the other four who are innocent until proven guilty.
"We remind all concerned that criminal proceedings are active and they have the right to a fair trial.
"It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”