An ex supervisor from British Airways is currently evading authorities in India after escaping from the UK amidst allegations of involvement in immigration scam. The man is accused of accepting heavy bribe to permit Indians in London to board BA flights to Canada without proper visas. Read here to know more.
Updated Mar 1, 2024 | 04:38 PM IST
British Airways staff helps Indians enter Canada (iStock)
A former supervisor from British Airways is currently evading authorities in India after escaping from the UK amidst allegations of involvement in a £3 million (Rs 31 crore) immigration scam.The guy is accused of accepting £25,000 (Rs 26 lakh) in bribes per head over a five-year period while working as a supervisor at BA check-in at Heathrow Terminal 5 to permit Indians in London to board BA flights to Canada without proper visas.
Upon reaching Canada, these Indian immigrants promptly filed their asylum claims. Following his arrest in the UK on Jan 6 and subsequent release on bail, the accused fled to India with his partner, who worked in BA ground services. Both employees have since been terminated by BA.
UK police are working with Indian authorities to locate and extradite the fugitive pair back to Britain for trial. Apart from this, the accused is reported to own multiple properties in India, presumably funded by the substantial profits generated from the illegal scheme.
According to a TOI report citing a source, the scam primarily facilitated travel to Canada rather than entry into the UK, as the individuals possessed the necessary documentation to reside in the UK. These individuals either arrived in the UK via BA flights on visitor visas with the intention of continuing to Canada or were asylum seekers in the UK concerned about potential deportation if their claims were denied.
Furthermore, the accused also ensured that the individuals approached his check-in desk and then escorted them to the boarding gate, citing his bilingualism as an asset.
As per a TOI report, citing The Sun, the Canadian authorities observed a recurring pattern of Indians arriving on BA flights from London and subsequently seeking asylum. After this, the Canadian authorities raised their concerns for the same.
