Licence application fraudster prosecuted by Security Industry Authority

Nawaz had earlier entered a guilty plea at his first appearance in the court on 26 January this year and the case had been adjourned such that a pre-sentence report could be compiled.

The case was brought forward by the SIA after Nawaz submitted a fraudulent document to the private security industry’s regulator for his licence application. As part of the application process, Nawaz was required to provide supporting documentation including references.

On 25 March 2022, he submitted a character reference letter purporting to be from a local postmaster who knew him personally. The SIA checked the validity of the reference letter and found it to be a fraudulent document.

Nawaz was subsequently contacted by the SIA, but he failed to engage with the investigation or be interviewed by SIA investigators.

Protecting the public

Nicola Bolton, one of the SIA’s criminal investigations managers, explained: ‘The primary purpose of the SIA’s licensing regime is to protect the public. A person must be fit and proper in order to hold an SIA licence. That’s because the people who hold SIA licences are in positions of responsibility. They are entrusted to protect people, property and premises. A commitment to certain standards of behaviour is fundamental to what it means to be fit and proper and to being part of a profession.”

Bolton continued: “By submitting a fraudulent document to the SIA, Karvan Nawaz proved that he is not fit to hold a licence to carry out the important task of public security and safety. Submitting a fraudulent document is a serious offence. Actions that can undermine public trust and cause a threat to public safety will be exposed and met with appropriate repercussions and penalties.”