A former Waltham Forest councillor candidate has been convicted and fined for providing illegal immigration advice.
In 2014 Mr Joseph Dyer, Leyton, claimed to be an experienced immigration adviser when introduced to a client requesting immigration advice.
He told the client he could make an application for a fee between £1,300 and £3,000. He took an initial payment of £1,000 from the client.
The client became suspicious when there was no contact from the Home Office and demanded a refund.
Mr Dyer, a former independent councillor candidate in the London Borough of Waltham Forest, agreed to repay the money in instalments but only gave £100 back.
He then became abusive and told the client he would not pay back the rest of the money.
A complaint was then lodged with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) and Mr Dyer was convicted last August for providing unregulated immigration advice.
He was sentenced yesterday to a fine of £200 and was also ordered to pay £900 compensation to the victim, prosecution costs of £500, and a victim surcharge of £20.
Speaking about the decision, the Deputy Immigration Services Commissioner, Dr Ian Leigh, said: ‘The OISC is here to ensure that people seeking immigration advice are treated fairly by people they can trust.
‘Mr Dyer chose to operate outside the law, and without regard for the protection of his clients.
‘I am delighted with the outcome of this case, and I hope it sends a clear message to anyone considering providing unregulated immigration advice and services.’
