A bogus bride and groom were arrested at a church just moments before they were set to tie the knot, the UK Border Agency said yesterday.
Their “best man” was also detained by immigration officials during the ceremony at a church in Salford, Greater Manchester.
The trio were part of a gang involved in staging three bogus weddings at St Paul’s C of E Church in Paddington Close.
A sentencing date was set for the best man, Nigerian Kolawole Ogunleye, 32, who was convicted of assisting unlawful immigration.
Four others are already serving jail terms ranging from 12 to 20 months for the same offence.
The Dutch bride from Mr Ogunleye’s wedding, Maria Helder, 29, and the Nigerian groom, Samuel Okoh, 32, were arrested at the church on October 27 last year by Ukba officers.
Ms Helder had flown to Liverpool Airport the day before her “wedding” and had a return ticket to her home country the same day as her nuptials, the Ukba said.
Her friend, fellow Dutchwoman Virelly Phelipa, 28, accompanied her and was also detained for her involvement in a separate sham wedding at St Paul’s.
Another man, Nigerian Abiodun Hamad, 40, was planning to get married in a third ceremony at the church when he was arrested last November.
The authorities are still hunting for Ms Phelipa’s fake Nigerian groom and Mr Hamad’s bogus Dutch wife.
Immigration minister Damian Green said: “The government has tasked the UK Border Agency with carrying out an intense period of enforcement activity over the summer.
“We are determined to make it harder than ever for illegal immigrants to come to the UK.
“Illegal immigration puts pressure on public services, local communities and legitimate businesses at a time when this country cannot afford it.
“That’s why the UK Border Agency is working to cut out illegal employment, sham marriages, bogus colleges and organised traffickers being used by foreign nationals to try and stay in the UK illegally.”
Jeff Taylor, Detective Sergeant of the UK Border Agency’s Manchester immigration crime team, said: “Tackling sham marriage is a top priority for us and our immigration crime teams are working hard to create a hostile environment for those who break immigration laws.
“We are working closely with the church and registrars to identify suspect marriages. Where there is evidence to suggest that a wedding may be bogus we will investigate and, where necessary, intervene to stop it happening.
“People should be under no illusion that marriage is enough to get permission to stay in the UK. It’s not. The relationship has to be genuine. If it’s not, couples will face prosecution or deportation.”
Mr Okoh and Mr Hamad, who also committed identity card offences, were jailed for 20 months while Ms Helder was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, said the Ukba.
Ms Phelipa was also jailed for 12 months.
Mr Ogunleye will be sentenced at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on August 31.