Investigations into thievery and money laundering through the UK immigration system have resulted in charges for six officers with responsibilities for securing the UK’s borders.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said five of the officers face charges including conspiracy to steal and misconduct in public office. All six, from Surrey, Kent, Berkshire, and London, are charged with money laundering offences.
Malcolm McHaffie, head of the CPS Special Crime Division, said: “Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings.”
The charges stem from a Home Office investigation into thefts and money laundering between August 2021 and November 2022.
Besmir Matera, 36, from Reigate, Surrey, faces multiple charges including conspiracy to steal, misconduct in public office, money laundering, obtaining leave to remain in the UK by deception, and possession of identity documents with improper intention.
Jack Mitchell, 33, of Dover, Kent; Lee-Ann Evanson, 42, of Bracknell, Berkshire; John Bernthal, 53, of Welling, London; and Ben Edwardes, 45, of Bexleyheath, London, are charged with conspiracy to steal, misconduct in public office, and money laundering.
David Grundy, 43, of Croydon, London, is charged with money laundering offences.
All six are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 29 January.
