Ahmed Altorshan has been sentenced to 17 weeks in jail, suspended for 12 months, after pleading guilty to fraud involving a fake Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence. The Southend-on-Sea Magistrates’ Court also ordered him to complete 120 hours of unpaid work and pay £628 in costs and victim surcharge.
The case came to light following a car crash on April 29, 2021, when Altorshan collided with a tree in Bristol. He was taken to hospital with injuries. During the police investigation, several identity cards were found in his vehicle, including a forged SIA door supervisor’s licence. This counterfeit licence was an exact copy of a genuine holder’s ID.
Avon and Somerset Police referred the case to Home Office Immigration, who then notified the SIA. Essex Police conducted a raid on Altorshan’s home in Southend but did not find him there.
On February 28, 2022, SIA investigators interviewed Altorshan at a different address, with an interpreter present. He admitted to paying for the fake licence but claimed he never used it to obtain employment.
The district judge criticised Altorshan, stating: “You paid for this card as you couldn’t find employment legally due to your immigration status. You could have endangered the public without proper training or safeguarding.”
Jenny Hart, SIA’s Criminal Investigations Manager, commented on the case: “This road accident exposed a serious licensing fraud. Possessing a fake SIA licence is illegal and unacceptable.” She commended Avon and Somerset Police, Essex Police, and Home Office Immigration for their collaboration.
Hart added, “The licensing regime protects the public by ensuring licence holders are fit, proper, and trained. Thankfully, Mr. Altorshan never used the licence, but he now faces a criminal record and a tough penalty.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
