- Home Office immigration team interrupt couple's nuptials
- Sri Lankan 'groom' found to have overstayed his visa
- As an EU citizen 23-year-old would be entitled to claiming British benefits
A Sri Lankan man has been caught attempting to tie the knot with an Italian woman as immigration officers interrupted the couple's 'sham marriage' in Harrow.
With an Italian wife on his arm, the 23-year-old would have been considered an EU citizen and under European law he would have been entitled to claim benefits in the UK.
A Home Office immigration enforcement team raided Harrow Registry Office yesterday, shortly after 2pm, as the pair prepared to say their vows.
A Home Office immigration enforcement team broke
up a suspected 'sham marriage' at Harrow Registry Office. Two officers
are seen here quizzing the 'bride', a 21-year-old Italian woman
Acting on intelligence, which suggested the 'relationship' may not be genuine, officers put a stop to the nuptials and detained the 'bride and
groom'.
With full co-operation from the Superintendent Registrar, the team intervened and questioned the 23-year-old Sri Lankan, who was found to have overstayed his visa.
He had been due to marry a 21-year-old Italian woman.
The 'bride' was quizzed by officers and released, while her betrothed was placed on immigration bail while further inquiries take place.
He faces being deported from the UK if he is found to have no reason to stay in the country.
