An underground market for false asylum claims harms gay and lesbian refugees needing genuine help. The BBC investigated this phenomenon and spoke with people fabricating false evidence.

An undercover journalist met two individuals offering fake testimonies and forged documents. They charged hundreds of pounds for these services. This occurs mainly in countries taking gay and lesbian asylum claims seriously. Criminals exploit this system to make money.

The problem is substantial. Real LGBTQ+ refugees with legitimate asylum claims now face greater suspicion from officials. Many flee countries where gay people face imprisonment or death sentences. When false materials emerge, authorities doubt genuine stories too.

Human rights organisations warn this endangers protection for truly persecuted people. Asylum officials struggle increasingly to distinguish false from genuine cases. This delays procedures and costs lives of genuinely threatened individuals.