Woman held for taking citizen tests 'in disguise'

A 61-year-old woman has been arrested after allegedly dressing up in a series of wigs and disguises to take Life in the UK tests on behalf of others.

Immigration enforcement investigators arrested the woman at an address in Enfield on Monday on suspicion of fraudulently completing the citizenship tests for at least 14 applicants, both male and female.

She is alleged to have completed the tests across multiple test centres in the UK, disguising herself and doctoring ID documents to evade detection.

Immigration officers said they seized "several false documents and an array of wigs", alleged to have been used in the fraudulent scheme, according to the Home Office.

The Life in the UK Test is a requirement for anyone seeking to obtain indefinite leave to remain or to become a British citizen.

It consists of 24 questions aimed at proving the applicant has sufficient knowledge of British values, history and society.

Immigration Enforcement Criminal and Financial Investigation Inspector Phillip Parr said thanks to his investigators "we have put a stop to this dangerous scheme".

He added: "This individual is believed to have orchestrated a pre-meditated plan to avoid detection, meticulously selecting disguises and test centre locations across the country to evade the authorities."

The woman, who is alleged to have taken the fraudulent tests between June 2022 and August 2023, remains in custody and the investigation continues.

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