Chloe Ashley secures acquittal in conspiracy to circumvent immigration rules case. Chloe represented Mr Hussain, a 46 year old man of good character, in a four-week trial before Sheffield Crown Court. Although the case involved nine defendants, he was one of only three defendants acquitted.His acquittal followed pleas by his daughter – before the jury – also charged with the same conspiracy.
The case concerned a plot to circumvent the immigration rules in respect of the income threshold required for spousal visas. The plot was said to have involved an accountants practice and numerous other business enterprises in South Yorkshire.
Discreet issues of law were raised, including the hearsay evidence of deceased prosecution witnesses and the admissibility of bank account information collated by the UK Border Agency.
In addition, arguments were raised against the admissibility of evidence collated in a foreign jurisdiction and vast amounts of paperwork seized by cross-border intelligence agencies.
This case formed part of Operation Loft.
Chloe Ashley was instructed by Clayton Solicitors.
