Bradford solicitor filmed offering scheme to dodge £45,000 illegal-worker fine

One outlet investigators disguised as a mini-mart proprietor with a £45,000 illegal-working fine captured Bradford-based solicitor Mohammad Alias Yousaf explaining a method to nullify the penalty. He proposed charging 10% of the fine, demanding an upfront £250, and suggested appointing a foreign individual as a “ghost director” to claim ownership, thereby shifting liability. The solicitor claimed he could arrange the paperwork if the person abroad agreed, and referenced similar cases he handled “all the time”.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood responded by ordering a review of how such fines are issued and collected. Alias has since denied ever advising false information to the Home Office and says he would only pursue lawful challenges. Senior immigration lawyer Bryony Rest called the conduct “perverting the course of justice” and urged that he be struck off.