A BBC investigation reveals a suspicious network behind false LGBTQ+ asylum claims. Criminals help people create fake evidence documents. This seriously harms genuine LGBTQ+ refugees.

A BBC journalist spoke undercover with two people wanting to forge asylum claims. They offered to create false evidence materials. For payment, the journalist could claim he was LGBTQ+ and persecuted at home. Such claims do exist in reality: people genuinely flee violence because of their sexual orientation.

The problem is significant. When fake cases slip through checks, officials distrust genuine LGBTQ+ refugees more. This leads to rejection of legitimate asylum applications. The BBC warns this criminal network is growing and well organised.

Experts say this harms two groups. First, genuine LGBTQ+ people fleeing persecution. They aren't believed because others have abused their story. Second, countries face difficulty in their work, as they must check far more applications. The BBC calls on authorities to crack down harder on this criminal network.