Fake marriage mastermind jailed for immigration offences

A woman who recruited brides to take part in sham marriages so immigrants could remain in the UK has been jailed for seven years.

Justyna Sobieraj masterminded multiple fake marriage ceremonies to ensure non-EU nationals could stay after their visas had expired.

Sobieraj, 37, was responsible for recruiting brides to take part in the bogus weddings in Southampton, Hants, and Winchester.

In two cases, Sobieraj, from Southampton, had her plans thwarted by immigration officers who turned up at the offices on the day of the weddings and shut down the ceremonies.

Sobieraj was sentenced to seven years in prison at Southampton Crown Court after admitting conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration.

She was sentenced alongside Kamila Grzymala – one of the brides whose marriage ceremonies she organised.

Grzymala, 34 and from Southampton, was sentenced to two years for conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration and two years for bigamy – with both terms suspended for two years.

Sobieraj has been jailed for seven years masterminded multiple fake marriage ceremonies. Eric Asante (right), helped with the scam and was sentenced to eight years

A third defendant Eric Asante, 47 and from London, who helped Sobieraj arrange the string of sham marriages, was sentenced to eight years in his absence when he failed to attend the hearing.

Part of the hearing related to a separate three-week trial, at which Asante and Sobieraj were convicted of assisting unlawful immigration.

Judge Gary Burrell QC said Sobieraj had been ‘seduced’ by the prospect of financial gain.

Turning to Grzymala, he added: ‘You have been extremely stupid.’

Speaking after the case, immigration officer Nick Jupp said: ‘These marriages were a way for Sobieraj and the ‘brides’ to line their own pockets.’