By Islam El-Sakka
The Home Office has launched an investigation after a BBC undercover operation filmed a solicitor offering to make a £45,000 illegal-working fine disappear.
Solicitor filmed offering to transfer penalty
Bradford-based solicitor Mohammad Alias Yousaf, also known as Alias, told an undercover reporter posing as a mini-mart owner that he could avoid paying the fine by finding someone overseas to declare themselves the business owner. The reporter secretly recorded Yousaf saying he could transfer the penalty for a £4,500 fee.
Regulator and politicians respond
The Solicitors Regulation Authority said it will examine the BBC's findings for potential misconduct. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood ordered a review of how such fines are issued and collected, thanking the BBC for exposing those who undermine rules. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp called for Yousaf to be struck off, while shadow justice minister Nick Timothy urged the regulator to take urgent action.
Scale of uncollected fines revealed
Home Office figures obtained by the BBC show at least £150 million is owed in uncollected illegal-working fines. A law enforcement whistleblower described seeing fine notices worth up to £40,000 left unpaid on shop counters, with owners laughing at enforcement attempts.
Lawyer denies wrongdoing
Yousaf denied ever advising anyone to put a penalty in another person's name or giving false information to the Home Office. He said his work involves challenging penalties lawfully through parliamentary routes, and that he told the reporter in writing he could not advance a dishonest case.
Government cites enforcement progress
The government said arrests and raids are at their highest levels and removals of illegal workers have increased by 50%.
