Gang members behind more than 120 sham marriages which made them millions of pounds have been jailed.
Ringleader Desmond Woghiren, 40, ran a complete service helping Nigerian immigrants gain residency in the UK, Croydon Crown Court heard.
Desmond and his cousin Frank Woghiren, 30, both from Enfield, north London, were found guilty of conspiracy to defraud the Home Secretary.
They were given jail terms of nine and six years respectively.
The gang, which used a security and cleaning company as a front, would charge up to £10,000 for each wedding ceremony set up across London, the court heard.
Other members included security guard George Tanimowo, 38, from Luton, who was sentenced to five years for the same offence.
Idemudia Aigbedion, a 40-year-old student from east London, pleaded guilty and was given a four-year jail term.
Judge Nicholas Ainley told the four men: "The extent of your conspiracy was wide - you provided a complete service."
Home Office Minister Tony McNulty said: "I am delighted with the tough sentences handed down today which send a clear message to criminals who seek profit from abusing our immigration and marriage laws.
"The government is determined to protect the UK's immigration system and marriage laws from corruption which is why we have arrangements in place to help identify potential abuse."
Story from :
BBC NEWS
Published: 2005/12/08 19:53:10 GMT
