The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has authorised criminal charges against six immigration officials following a major investigation into alleged thefts from migrants and associated money laundering.
Details of the Charges and Defendants
The six individuals, all employed by UK Visas and Immigration within the Home Office, are accused of offences spanning from August 2021 to November 2022. They will make their first appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 29 January.
The defendants are named as Besmir Matera, 36, from Reigate in Surrey; Lee-Ann Evanson, 42, from Bracknell in Berkshire; John Bernthal, 53, from Welling in South East London; Ben Edwardes, 45, from Bexleyheath; Jack Mitchell, 33, from Dover in Kent; and David Grundy, 43, from Croydon in South London.
Malcolm McHaffie, Head of the CPS Special Crime Division, stated that prosecutors had determined there was sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and that a prosecution was in the public interest. The CPS worked closely with the Home Office’s own Anti-Corruption Criminal Investigations Unit.
The Specific Allegations Each Defendant Faces
The core charges against five of the six officers are conspiracy to steal, misconduct in public office, and concealing criminal property under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
Besmir Matera faces additional serious charges, including obtaining leave to remain in the UK by deception and three counts of possessing identity documents with improper intention. David Grundy is charged solely with concealing criminal property.
Broader Implications and Next Steps
This case highlights the severe breach of trust involved when public officials tasked with enforcing immigration laws are themselves accused of exploiting vulnerable migrants. The allegations of systematic theft and subsequent money laundering will likely prompt internal reviews within the Home Office.
The court appearance on 29 January 2026 will be a preliminary hearing. The case is then expected to progress to a higher court given the seriousness of the charges, which carry potentially significant prison sentences.
