Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner
On 28 October 2014, Alhaj Mustak Ahmed Rouf Mostafa, 48, of Swinton, Manchester, was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years and ordered to pay full prosecution costs. He had been found guilty of 6 offences of illegally providing immigration advice and services at Manchester Crown Court on 29 August 2014.
In sentencing, Recorder Bentham QC said:
You are an able hard working intelligent man; In my view you are a devious and exploitive and clever man. If you had bothered to maintain your registration you would have committed no offence.
The Office of Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) prosecuted Mostafa after being made aware that he had continued to provide unregulated advice after he failed to renew his registration in 2011.
Speaking about the decision the Immigration Services Commissioner, Suzanne McCarthy, said:
The OISC is here to ensure that people seeking immigration advice are treated fairly by people they can trust who are fit and competent. Mostofa chose to operate outside the law.
In conclusion the Immigration Services Commissioner, Suzanne McCarthy, stated:
I hope that the outcome of this case sends a clear message to others who may be considering providing immigration advice; either act within the law or you will find yourself in court.