Food Standards Agency
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Possible visa scam involving a UK-based food company
The Agency has received information relating to a possible scam to obtain UK travel visas through a UK-based food company.
A food packing company based in Norfolk received a request, from a Mr Henry Ezimoah, to produce letters inviting 'inspectors' from the Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to visit the UK and inspect good manufacturing practice. The letters of invitation were requested as part of the visa application process.
The FCO in Nigeria has advised us that there is no visit proposed to the UK food packing company from the Nigerian authorities and it does appear to be a scam to obtain visas. The UK local authority is dealing with this information as a potential scam and has passed the relevant information onto the police and immigration officials.
The company had previously fulfilled an order from Henry Ezimoah on behalf of Blackgate Industries Ltd.
Action to take
If you are aware of, or receive, any information relating to this scam, please send details to the Agency by emailing foodfraud@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk. The Agency will pass on relevant information to the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) Agency in Nigeria.
You can also report any known or suspected food fraud by telephoning the food fraud hotline on 020 7276 8527.
Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control procedures
The UKTI has provided the following brief description of the usual procedure for Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control registration.
- A manufacturer appoints a distributor or agent for their products in Nigeria.
- The agent or distributor then applies for registration with the agency providing a letter of authority from the manufacturer and other required documents.
- Where the agency deems it fit and necessary, a visit is arranged to the manufacturer's factory premises as part of the process towards registration.
- Registration is granted and a license/certificate is issued for a number of years.
Where the first action above has not taken place, it is impossible for the other steps to take place.
