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A bunch of Nigerians residing in the UK took to the streets of London on Thursday, protesting towards the rising variety of Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) scams which have left many victims stranded and financially ruined.
The protest, which happened at Marsham Avenue, in entrance of the UK House Workplace, was led by Christiana Olabisi, also called Ferrari, who used a megaphone to name on victims to talk out.
“Sufficient is Sufficient” – Protesters Communicate Out
Olabisi, in a dwell video on TikTok, urged victims to report fraudsters, warning that silence would solely embolden them.
“No extra scamming. Sufficient is sufficient. Whether or not you prefer it or not, all of you’ll get reported.We’re right here ready for you. Don’t let anybody scare you with deportation. If anybody has collected cash from you, that is the time to talk up. Tomorrow could also be too late.”
The demonstrators additionally displayed a banner itemizing 30 alleged fraudsters who’ve been accused of amassing 1000’s of kilos from unsuspecting immigrants in alternate for pretend CoS paperwork.
Victims Share Their Ordeals
The CoS scheme, designed to permit UK-licensed organizations to sponsor expert international staff, has been exploited by fraudulent brokers and firms who cost exorbitant charges for sponsorships that always grow to be pretend.
In the course of the protest, a number of victims shared their heartbreaking experiences:
A person recounted how his pal misplaced £15,000, paying an agent to safe a CoS for his household, solely to finish up stranded in Manchester.
Ehizojie Pleasure, a Nigerian who has been within the UK for 2 years, revealed that regardless of paying £10,000, she has solely been capable of safe 20-hour shifts from one other employer.
One other sufferer misplaced £12,000, stating that the corporate that took the cash stopped answering calls.
Musa Eunice, a content material creator, revealed that her cousin misplaced £20,000 to fraudsters.
Lots of the victims stated they have been left with out jobs, counting on meals banks for survival.
Rip-off Stories on the Rise
Stories of CoS fraud have elevated considerably, with investigations by Sky Information (2023) and Day by day Mail (2024) exposing fraudulent corporations exploiting immigrants.
One of the vital surprising circumstances concerned a Baptist minister, who was caught on digital camera charging £9,000 to safe a job in three days.
A migrant additionally revealed that he paid £6,000 money at an organization’s workplace in Northwest England, however by no means acquired a sponsorship.
Accused People Deny Allegations
One of many alleged fraudsters named on the protest banner, Mojisola, denied the allegations, stating that she had already taken authorized motion to clear her title.
“The allegations made towards me on social media are fully false. I’ve commenced authorized actions, and as this matter is now earlier than the courtroom, I cannot be making any additional feedback,” she advised journalists.
NiDCOM Urges Authorized Motion
Reacting to the protest, the Nigerians in Diaspora Fee (NiDCOM) urged affected people to hunt authorized redress.
“Visa scams are a severe concern,” stated NiDCOM’s spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun.“My recommendation is that they need to tread cautiously as they protest and stay law-abiding whereas registering their displeasure.”
In the meantime, the UK House Workplace has but to reply to the protest or affirm any ongoing investigations into the rip-off allegations.
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