A major player in an organised crime network has been captured on film by BBC undercover reporters, claiming he can help eliminate fines of up to £60,000 for employing illegal workers. The central figure, who introduces himself as an 'accountant', is a part of a Kurdish group first highlighted in a BBC investigation. This group facilitates illegal employment in mini-marts by registering these businesses under their own names.
The man, known as Shaxawan, detailed to the reporters how he and his network assist migrants, including asylum seekers, to establish businesses unlawfully and mislead immigration officials. Operating from a solicitor's office in Huddersfield, he boasted of having 'customers in every city.' In Companies House records, Shaxawan is listed as Kardos Mateen, a British resident in his 30s, and has directed 18 businesses across Northern England.
When confronted with these revelations, Shaxawan denied any illegal activities. However, Trading Standards confirmed the discovery of illegal cigarette sales in numerous businesses registered under Kardos Mateen's name. Additionally, the BBC purchased counterfeit tobacco in four mini-marts where he was listed as the director.
The investigation by BBC News illustrates the complexity and breadth of criminal enterprises profiting from undocumented work across UK High Streets. The government has acknowledged that the lax regulation of the UK's labour market attracts illegal entrants.
Shaxawan made several assertions during the investigation:
- He could establish a company, provide bank cards and a card machine for transactions for an undercover reporter, who he believed was an asylum seeker.
- His network could mislead Immigration Enforcement teams by overwhelming them with details.
- Fake directors would register mini-marts, while illegal workers, including asylum seekers, would manage operations.
- Individuals, called 'ghost names,' would be paid to take responsibility for hefty fines related to illegal employment.
- An 'English woman' in their network could reduce fines to zero and deal with utilities and debt collectors.
During discussions with a paralegal accompanied by Shaxawan, they offered to create false documents, such as 'business agreements,' to circumvent fines.
'I'll make sure you have no issues'
Setting up a meeting with Shaxawan took several months. Believing he was meeting an asylum seeker interested in running a mini-mart and selling illegal cigarettes, he arrived in a white 4x4 BMW at a bustling Manchester retail park. However, he was actually meeting Saman (a pseudonym), a Kurdish journalist undercover for the BBC.
In a café, Shaxawan openly discussed what he and his associates could provide: 'We are a group. Each of us provides a service and works together,' he explained. He described working with an 'English woman' who handled utilities and bailiffs, and how she could nullify fines from Immigration Enforcement.
Shaxawan assured, 'I will... set up your company, provide the [card] machine, get you electricity, speak to your landlord. I'll make sure you have no issues.'
He advised Saman to register the mini-mart business under a different name, labeled as a 'ghost director', costing £400 monthly, with a one-time fee of £140 for access to a business bank card. The ghost director, he explained, would 'take the risk' in case of law enforcement action.