Easy money can get you into trouble

It is not uncommon, particularly these days, that people are struggling with money and are concerned about their finances. Without a regular and stable income, it often becomes difficult to keep up with bill and mortgage payments. For some, the prospect of making easy money can be so tempting that they engage in illegal activities.

Women marry illegal immigrants in exchange for money

Two women recently succumbed to the temptation of earning quick money by marrying illegal immigrants in exchange for money. As has been seen on previous occasions, social media has changed the way that people communicate and also opened up new forms of criminal activities.

One of the women was told over the social-networking site Facebook that there was an opportunity for her to earn some money by marrying a man who wanted to enter the UK. She agreed to marry a Ghanaian man in exchange for £4,000. She subsequently recommended a friend to do the same, who received £1,000 for her participation in the sham marriage.

The women, both under the age of 25, argued in court that they had been in need of money and said that they regretted their actions. The men in question have subsequently left the country.

In his sentencing of the women, judge George Moorhouse expressed sympathy for their situation and gave them an eight-month suspended jail sentence. "You are young ladies who have never been in trouble and because you were short of money you succumbed to the temptation of marrying people you hardly knew, thereby assisting these two gentlemen in their unlawful entry to this country."

"That is an extremely serious offence. Illegal immigrants in this country should not be assisted in the way that you did... The message must go out loud and clear that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated."

If you have money issues, or need advice on a similar situation, we can put you in touch with an expert solicitor.

Last Updated on 06/07/2012