Certificates of Sponsorship : Monsurat Temidayo Awodein, Firm Accused of Defrauding Applicants
Monsurat Temidayo Awodein
An illicit scheme involving the issuance of fraudulent healthcare worker Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) has been revealed after about 40 unsuspecting applicants fell victim to the scam. Monsurat Temidayo Awodein, a student who arrived in the UK last year to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Dundee, Scotland, and a firm have accused of defrauding applicants who are mostly Nigerians.
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is necessary for migrant workers who are applying for their Skilled Worker Visa or Temporary Worker Visa.. It also plays an important role when recruiting workers under UK sponsored work visa routes.
One of the victims of the scam claimed that about 6 million naira was lost to the deceitful operation.
Awodein, who recently applied for a two-year post-study visa, is suspected of collaborating with an illegitimate firm to defraud applicants by providing them with counterfeit CoS documents. These documents were purportedly issued in the name of reputable UK-based domiciliary care providers, such as Amazing Angels Care Limited, located in Dartford.
Investigations reveal that Awodein, in conjunction with the illegal firm, used various channels to recruit unsuspecting applicants. She utilized her WhatsApp contact number, +234 809 944 9596, as well as a UK phone number, 07405484819, to lure victims into the scheme. A forensic examination of her phone is expected to reveal evidence of her involvement, including a list of the fake CoS documents she forwarded to applicants.
The victims, seeking legitimate opportunities in the healthcare sector, were intentionally deceived by Awodein and the fraudulent scheme. It is believed that her pending post-study visa application with the Home Office may have served as a cover for her illegal activities.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have been approached by Awodein or fallen prey to this scam to come forward and provide any pertinent information that could aid in the investigation. The Home Office and law enforcement agencies are actively collaborating to dismantle the operation and bring those responsible to justice.
The UK immigration authorities have also issued a warning to all individuals applying for visas or seeking employment opportunities to exercise caution and ensure the legitimacy of the entities involved. Vigilance and thorough verification processes are essential in protecting oneself from such fraudulent activities.
As the investigation unfolds, the impact of this scam on the victims and the broader healthcare industry will undoubtedly be significant. It serves as a stark reminder of the need for stringent measures to combat fraudulent practices and safeguard the integrity of the UK’s immigration system.
