Former Sunderland Barrister Imprisoned For Immigration Scam

Syed Ahmed, 36, of Havelock Terrace was sentenced to 8 years 6 months for the part he played in an immigration scam which made millions of pounds.

Although cleared of money laundering charges, Ahmed was convicted of conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration.

The scam involved Thames College London, which claimed to offer genuine courses, all of which were in fact bogus.

Ahmed was listed as a lecturer in law at the college.

Fake documents and certificates would be provided through the college and they were then used to support visa applications.

All applications were processed by a company named Virgil Legal Services Ltd. for which Ahmed was the legal advisor

£2.5million was found under Ahmed's bed in his South London flat.