A woman who gave illegal immigration advice and services has been ordered to complete unpaid work and pay more than £2,000 in compensation to one of her victims.
Victoria Quartey, of Turners Hill, Hemel Hempstead, saw clients at her home, where she traded under the name Quartey & Co.
The 48-year-old had previously been registered with the OISC but was deregistered in July 2009.
She knew that she had to be regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC), to provide immigration advice and services, but ignored this requirement and acted illegally from July 2009 to June 2012.
The OISC investigated after receiving a complaint from one of her clients.
On October 30 2012, Quartey pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court to 12 counts of providing illegal immigration advice and services.
On Monday, she was ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work and told to pay £2,200 compensation to her victim.
The Immigration Services Commissioner Suzanne McCarthy said “Where it is clear an individual is flouting the law, the OISC will not hesitate to use the full extent of its powers to stop them.
“I am delighted with the outcome of this case, and I hope it sends a clear message to other people considering offering immigration advice – either act within the law or you will find yourself in court.”