Six serving immigration officers have been charged with a series of criminal offences, including money laundering, following a major investigation into the alleged theft of property from migrants.
Charges Follow Home Office Anti-Corruption Probe
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed that five of the six officers are accused of conspiracy to steal and misconduct in public office. All six now face charges related to money laundering. The individuals are from locations across London and the South East, including Berkshire, Surrey, and Kent.
Malcolm McHaffie, who leads the CPS Special Crime Division, stated the charges result from a Home Office investigation into thefts from migrants and associated money laundering. The alleged criminal activity took place between August 2021 and November 2022.
"Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings," McHaffie said. He added that the CPS collaborated closely with the Home Office’s dedicated Anti-Corruption Criminal Investigations Unit throughout the probe.
Details of the Defendants and Allegations
The CPS has named the six individuals and detailed the specific charges each faces. The most extensive list of allegations is against Besmir Matera, 36, from Reigate in Surrey. His charges include conspiracy to steal, misconduct in public office, money laundering, obtaining leave to remain in the UK by deception, and three counts of possessing an identity document with improper intention.
The other five defendants are:
- Lee-Ann Evanson, 42, of Bracknell, Berkshire: Charged with conspiracy to steal, misconduct in public office, and money laundering.
- John Bernthal, 53, of Welling, south-east London: Charged with conspiracy to steal, misconduct in public office, and money laundering.
- Ben Edwardes, 45, of Bexleyheath, south-east London: Charged with conspiracy to steal, misconduct in public office, and money laundering.
- Jack Mitchell, 33, of Dover, Kent: Charged with conspiracy to steal, misconduct in public office, and money laundering.
- David Grundy, 43, of Croydon, south London: Charged with money laundering.
Court Appearance Scheduled
All six accused immigration officers are scheduled to make their first court appearance at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 29 January. The case highlights a significant internal investigation by the Home Office into corruption within its own ranks, specifically targeting vulnerable individuals within the immigration system.
The charges of misconduct in public office are particularly serious, relating to an abuse of the power and trust placed in the officers. The money laundering charges suggest an attempt to conceal the origins of allegedly stolen property or funds.
