By Ben Kerrigan-
A Home Office case worker has been arrested on suspicion of attempting to sell UK residency to an asylum seeker living in Northern Ireland.
The unfolding scandal has rocked the corridors of power power, raising the integrity of the asylum system of the asylum system and prompted call for urgent action.
The revelation uncovered by BBC News NI revealed disturbing details surrounding the alleged misconduct, shedding light on an audacious attempt to exploit a vulnerable individual in exchange for financial gain.
The official, employed as an asylum “decision maker” in the north of England, purportedly contacted the asylum seeker- a former journalist- and brazenly solicited £2,000 in return for expediting his refugee application.
The asylum seeker recounted the chilling encounter, describing how the decision maker leveraged sensitive Home Office records to bolster his scheme.
Despite initial scepticism, he was alarmed to discover that the individual possessed detailed information from his application, leaving little doubt as to the authenticity of the encounter.
The man alerted his solicitor, setting in motion a chain of events that culminated in the arrest of the alleged perpetrator. Lancashire Police confirmed the arrest of a man in his 30s on suspicion of misconduct in public office, money laundering, bribery, and computer misuse offenses.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities scrambling to ascertain the full extent of the malfeasance.
Immigration solicitor Sinead Marmion condemned the “egregious” actions of the decision maker, underscoring the need for robust safeguards to prevent similar abuses in the future.
The Home Office, meanwhile, has moved swiftly to address the allegations, suspending the implicated staff member pending the outcome of the investigation.
Shadow Immigration Minister Stephen Kinnock has lambasted the Conservative government for its handling of the asylum system, calling for urgent measures to restore integrity and public trust.