Immigration officers in court accused of stealing cash from small boat migrants
One officer is accused of entering the UK by deception and possessing a false passport
Last updated 29th Jan 2026
An immigration officer accused of entering the UK by deception and possessing a false passport has appeared in court alongside colleagues charged with stealing cash from small boats migrants arriving at Dover.
Six of the officers have been charged with money laundering and five are facing charges of misconduct in public office and conspiracy to steal between August 2021 and November 2022.
One of the officers, Besmir Matera, 36, is also charged with obtaining leave to enter the UK by deception between 2003 and 2004 and three counts of possession of an identity document with improper intention, namely: a passport; a full driving licence; and a provisional driving licence.
Matera; Lee-Ann Evanson, 42; John Bernthal, 53; Ben Edwardes, 45; Jack Mitchell, 33; and David Grundy, 43; were colleagues working in immigration enforcement clandestine operations response teams in Dover and Manston in Kent, the court heard.
They appeared in the dock together at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday.
Prosecutor Rosalind Earis told the court: "This case relates to an investigation by Home Office anti-corruption investigators into thefts by immigration officers of property belonging to migrants arriving at Dover between August 2021 and November 2022."
Outlining the charges, Ms Earis said the defendants "conspired together to steal cash from migrants on small boats", adding "they worked together to take money and share it out".
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring released all six immigration officers on bail and they will next appear for a plea and trial preparation hearing at Southwark Crown Court on February 26.
Matera, of Reigate, Surrey, is charged with conspiracy to steal; misconduct in public office; converting criminal property; obtaining leave to enter to remain in the United Kingdom by deception; and three counts of possession of an identity document with improper intention.
Evanson, of Bracknell, Berkshire, is charged with conspiracy to steal; misconduct in public office; and converting criminal property.
Bernthal, of Welling, south-east London, is charged with conspiracy to steal; misconduct in public office; and converting criminal property.
Edwardes, of Bexleyheath, south-east London, is charged with conspiracy to steal; misconduct in public office; and converting criminal property.
Mitchell, of Dover, Kent, is charged with conspiracy to steal; misconduct in public office; and converting criminal property.
Grundy, of Croydon, south London, is charged with converting criminal property.