Six serving UK immigration officers have been charged with a series of serious criminal offences, including money laundering, following an investigation into alleged thefts from migrants.
Charges and Court Appearance
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed the charges on Tuesday. All six officers are charged with money laundering offences, specifically related to concealing, disguising, converting, transferring, or removing criminal property.
Five of the six – Besmir Matera, Lee-Ann Evanson, John Bernthal, Ben Edwardes, and Jack Mitchell – face additional serious charges. These include conspiracy to steal and misconduct in public office.
The sixth officer, David Grundy, is charged solely with the money laundering offence. All six individuals are scheduled to make their first appearance at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 29 January.
Details of the Investigation and Allegations
The charges stem from a Home Office anti-corruption investigation into activities alleged to have taken place between August 2021 and November 2022. The probe focused on suspected thefts from migrants and associated money laundering.
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 proceeding was in the public interest. He noted close collaboration with the Home Office's Anti-Corruption Criminal Investigations Unit.
The specific charges against the individuals are as follows:
- Besmir Matera, 36, of Reigate, Surrey: Charged with conspiracy to steal; misconduct in public office; concealing criminal property; obtaining leave to remain by deception; and three counts of possessing an identity document with improper intention.
- Lee-Ann Evanson, 42, of Bracknell, Berkshire; John Bernthal, 53, of Welling, London; Ben Edwardes, 45, of Bexleyheath, London; and Jack Mitchell, 33, of Dover, Kent: Each charged with conspiracy to steal, misconduct in public office, and concealing criminal property.
- David Grundy, 43, of Croydon, London: Charged with concealing criminal property.
Implications and Next Steps
This case represents a significant serious breach of trust within the UK's immigration enforcement system. The charges of misconduct in public office are particularly grave, alleging a fundamental betrayal of the duties expected of public officials tasked with border security and migrant welfare.
The upcoming court appearance on 29 January will be a preliminary hearing. The magistrates will likely deal with initial procedural matters before potentially sending the case to a higher court for trial, given the severity of the allegations.
The outcome of this prosecution will be closely watched, as it touches on core issues of integrity, accountability, and the abuse of power within a key government department. It underscores the ongoing challenges of preventing and rooting out corruption in positions of authority.
