London arrests linked to alleged fake LGBTQ asylum fraud scheme

Three people have been arrested in London following a Home Office immigration enforcement raid targeting an alleged network accused of helping migrants fabricate asylum claims by pretending to be gay. The investigation focuses on claims connected to Apanjon, an LGBTQ community organisation based in Whitechapel, east London.

Authorities allege the operation charged migrants between £1,000 and £4,500 for fabricated evidence, including staged photographs, fake documents, and letters of support intended to suggest same-sex relationships. The Home Office is reportedly reviewing more than 100 current and historical asylum applications potentially linked to the organisation.

Among those arrested is Apanjon founder Sajjad Miah, who is suspected of fraud and immigration offences. Miah has denied all wrongdoing, maintaining that the organisation supports genuine LGBTQ asylum seekers and that the investigation is unfair. During the raid, officers seized mobile phones, jewellery, and thousands of pounds in cash.