Syed Muzaher Naqvi

Findings — machine-extracted (anthropic-batch:claude-opus-4-8); verify against the decision

Syed Muzaher Naqvi, a sole practitioner immigration solicitor, was covertly recorded by an undercover reporter (Client A) posing as a person seeking a visa based on a sham (non-genuine) marriage. Over two interviews, the Tribunal found the Respondent failed to advise that a visa application based on a non-genuine relationship was unlawful, advised Client A not to disclose that the relationship was not genuine, indicated willingness to advise/assist despite knowing the relationship was not genuine, and coached Client A on evidence (joint living proofs, EU spouse) to increase prospects of success. The Tribunal rejected abuse-of-process and entrapment arguments and rejected the Respondent's claim that he and Client A were talking at cross-purposes about arranged versus sham marriages. Dishonesty was expressly found on Allegations 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4 applying the Ivey test. No exceptional circumstances were found. The Respondent was struck off and ordered to pay costs of £24,946.50. His subsequent High Court appeal was dismissed.

Duties found breached:

• Professional independence
• No taking unfair advantage
• Uphold public trust in the profession
• Act in the client's best interests
• Non-discriminatory acceptance and cab-rank

Aggravating factors:

• Finding of dishonesty
• Respondent knew or ought reasonably to have known his conduct was in material breach of his obligations
• Huge damage to reputation of the profession, broadcast on national television
• Clients in immigration law often desperate and vulnerable

Mitigating factors:

• Respondent notified the SRA himself
• Single episode in a previously unblemished career
• Full engagement with proceedings