Six UK Immigration Officers Charged with Money Laundering and Other Offences
Six UK immigration officers have been charged with money laundering, with five of them also facing charges of conspiracy to steal and misconduct in public office. The charges follow a Home Office investigation into alleged thefts from migrants and money laundering activities occurring between August 2021 and November 2022. This investigation was conducted by the Home Office anti-corruption unit, and the Crown Prosecution Service proceeded with charges based on sufficient evidence and public interest.
The accused are due to appear at Westminster magistrates court on 29 January 2026. Besmir Matera, 36, of Reigate, Surrey, faces multiple charges including conspiracy to steal; misconduct in public office; concealing, disguising, converting, transferring or removing criminal property; obtaining leave to enter or remain by deception; and three counts of possession of an identity document with improper intent.
Lee-Ann Evanson, 42, of Bracknell, Berkshire; John Bernthal, 53, of Welling, southeast London; Ben Edwardes, 45, of Bexleyheath, southeast London; and Jack Mitchell, 33, of Dover, Kent, are each charged with conspiracy to steal, misconduct in public office, and concealing, disguising, converting, or removing criminal property.
