Warning after sham marriage plotter jailed

Illegal immigrant Tariq Mehmood (pictured) spent two years on the run after jumping bail and escaping in a lorry to Spain, a court heard.

This week, Mehmood - described as being part of a “large and well organised operation” staging sham marriages in a bid to sneak Pakistani men into Britain — was jailed for jailed for 18 months.

His wife and fellow absconder Veronika Horvathova was given a nine-month jail term suspended for two years.

Chris Tantrum, from Home Office Immigration Enforcement Criminal Investigations, said after the sentencing at Sheffield Crown Court on Tuesday: “We will identify and put before the courts those who attempt to cheat our immigration laws.

“Our investigations into this criminal gang have now resulted in the conviction of 19 people.

“Sham marriage abuse will not be tolerated.

“Our specialist investigators work very closely with registrars to identify suspicious marriages, and will not hesitate to act where we believe a relationship is not genuine.

“Whether you are a participant or an organiser, you will be caught and prosecuted.”

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