As way way to scam thousands of pounds out of Chinese emigrants, a gang staged a bogus British citizenship ceremony. The gang even went as far as to have people dress up as Home Secretary officials to make it look even more believable.

The so called ceremony took place at the Central Methodist Hall, which is actually just yards from the House of parliament and new Supreme Court. The Southwark Crown Court heard how the gang actually hired a film crew, as well as actors, to play the role of Home Secretary, security guards, audience members, and emigration officials. All of this went into making the people that did attended feel it was genuine.

The fake MP stood up and gave a speech, welcoming all of the emigrants into Britain before everyone started singing “God Save the Queen.” This all took place in front of a picture of the Queen and a Union Jack.

Also at this Ceremony, the gang set up two fake law firms. These law firms were called Borough de Law and Lombards. The services of these two law firms were advertised in Chinese language press in the UK.

Everyone that attended the ceremony was asked to come to the rented office that was on Lombard Street. This building was located very close to the Bank of England. It was here where people were told to pay their £2,000 deposit.

It was not until when the emigrants went to use their passports that they discovered that the ceremony was a fake. The prosecutor, Simon Clarke, said that any foreign national that was new to citizenship would have had no reason to doubt the authenticity of the ceremony itself.

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