The trial of a UK Border Agency director and her boyfriend, accused of using sensitive data to defraud immigration applicants, has collapsed.

Anjali Patel and Abdul Wahaab Farooq will face a retrial in January next year after the jury in the trial at Croydon Crown Court were discharged last week.

Judge Nicholas Ainley attributed the collapse to "insepurable jury problems".

Miss Patel, 30, of Outrum Road, Addiscombe, was alleged to have illegally accessed sensitive information about immigrants while an executive director for UKBA and supplied it to Abdul Farooq.

Mr Farooq, 27, of Barrow Road, Waddon, is alleged to have posed as an immigration solicitor to fraudulently charge applicants fighting to stay in the UK up to £13,000 each for advice.

The pair were also accused of trying to scupper the Home Office's bid to deport an illegal immigrant, as well as laundering accused of laundering more than £70,000 of criminal cash.

Miss Patel denied two counts of conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office, two counts of money laundering and attempting to assist unlawful immigration.

Mr Farooq denied three counts of fraud, three counts of money laundering, two counts of conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office and provision of immigration services while unqualified.

The trial, which began on February 25, had been due to end this week.

The pair will now face a second trial with a different jury on January 12. 


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