Gambiaj.com – (HECKMONDWIKE, United Kingdom) – Lamin Manneh, a Gambian national, has been sentenced to six years and four months in prison for orchestrating a scheme that helped hundreds of people enter the UK illegally using forged documents. The 49-year-old, who operated under the alias “Marcus112,” was described as the central figure in a sophisticated operation to falsify passports and visas for financial gain.

Manneh, a resident of Heckmondwike in West Yorkshire, was exposed after his bank details and phone number were traced to other Gambian nationals intercepted at Manchester Airport.

These individuals confirmed they had paid significant sums of money to Manneh in exchange for fake documents. One witness referred to him as a “renowned figure” in The Gambia, known as a former freedom fighter who had facilitated the entry of over 300 people into the UK.

Sophisticated Forgery Operation

Prosecutor Jade Bucklow detailed how Manneh provided forged passports, residence permits, and UK immigration stamps, charging individuals thousands of pounds. Investigations revealed evidence of altered documents with tampered photographs and fraudulent visas.

Deleted conversations between Manneh and clients were recovered from mobile phones, alongside bank transactions linking him to payments for the forgeries.

One client, who arrived at Manchester Airport in February, carried a forged indefinite leave to remain visa in an expired passport, accompanied by other fake UK immigration documents. Payments totaling £1,700 were traced to Manneh’s bank account, sent by the man’s sister, who acted as a go-between.

Another Gambian national, apprehended a week earlier, identified Manneh as the person behind his forged travel documents.

This individual, who paid £5,200 for his journey, provided investigators with Manneh’s phone number and bank account details. He also confirmed meeting agents working under Manneh in The Gambia before departing for the UK.

Court Findings and Sentencing

During a search of Manneh’s home, authorities discovered passports linked to the scheme. Although Manneh initially denied involvement, he later pleaded guilty to facilitating illegal immigration by supplying forged documents.

Judge Colin Burn, presiding over the case at Bradford Crown Court, described Manneh as the “principal driver” of the operation and a “go-to person” for illegal immigration assistance. While the defense argued that Manneh’s role was collaborative and financially modest, Judge Burn emphasized the significant impact of his actions on the UK’s immigration system.

“You were the principal mover,” Judge Burn said. “The courts have been very clear that sentences in such cases must be substantial.”

Once celebrated as a freedom fighter in The Gambia, Manneh’s actions have now cast a shadow over his reputation.