A BBC undercover investigation has revealed the existence of advisers who charge migrants thousands of pounds to help them falsely claim to be gay in asylum applications.

The investigation involved a BBC reporter going undercover to speak with advisers who allegedly encourage migrants to misrepresent their sexual orientation to immigration authorities. The practice appears to target asylum seekers who may otherwise struggle to qualify for protection in the UK.

According to the BBC's findings, this constitutes what they describe as a "shadow industry" operating to exploit vulnerabilities in the asylum system. The advisers reportedly coach applicants on how to present false claims about their sexual identity to strengthen their cases for protection.

The investigation highlights potential weaknesses in how asylum claims based on sexual orientation are assessed and verified by immigration authorities. LGBT individuals face persecution in many countries, making sexual orientation a legitimate ground for asylum protection under international law.

The revelation raises questions about the integrity of the asylum process and the challenges faced by genuine applicants who may be affected by fraudulent claims. It also underscores the complex task facing immigration officials in distinguishing between legitimate and fabricated claims of persecution based on sexual orientation.

The BBC has not disclosed specific details about the number of advisers identified or the scale of the alleged fraud scheme in their reporting.