Five Immigration Officers Charged with Stealing Cash from Migrants at Dover
Shock as five immigration officers stand accused of pinching cash from vulnerable migrants arriving in Dover by small boat. The suspects – Besmir Matera (36), Jack Mitchell (33), Lee-Ann Evanson (42), John Bernthal (53), and Ben Edwardes (45) – were arrested after a Home Office probe busted the theft ring.
Money Laundering Charges Hit Sixth Officer
A sixth officer, David Grundy (43), faces separate money laundering charges. The crimes reportedly took place between August 2021 and November 2022 and were uncovered by the Home Office’s anti-corruption unit.
Matera’s case is even murkier. Born in Albania, he allegedly slipped into the UK illegally between 2003 and 2004 using a forged asylum claim pretending to be from Kosovo. He also stands accused of carrying fake passports and a forged driving licence over the last decade.
How the Crooked Cash Grab Worked
Prosecutor Ms Earis revealed the officers worked in a secretive immigration enforcement unit dealing with Channel migrant arrivals.
“The Crown alleges that they conspired together to steal cash from migrants on small boats.”
Migrants often carry large sums of money when crossing. The dirty officers reportedly stole cash from holding cells and split the loot among themselves.
Defendants Bail Conditions and Court Dates
The six accused, from London, Berkshire, Surrey, and Kent, faced Westminster Magistrates’ Court and were granted conditional bail by District Judge Paul Goldspring.
“If you do not turn up at your next hearing you will be committing a separate offence which will be treated more seriously.”
A plea and trial prep hearing is set for 26 February at Southwark Crown Court. All officers are barred from contacting prosecution witnesses while awaiting trial.
