Solicitor investigated for advising on illegal worker fine evasion

A Bradford-based solicitor, Mohammad Alias Yousaf, was secretly filmed by the BBC advising an undercover reporter on how to avoid a £45,000 fine for employing an illegal worker. The solicitor allegedly suggested that the client could evade the penalty by finding a person overseas to falsely claim ownership of the business.

Yousaf has denied providing this advice or submitting false information to the Home Office. In response to the investigation, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced a formal review of the processes used to issue and collect fines for illegal employment.

Editor's note: Accurate, neutral reporting of the allegations and the official response.