Boss jailed over false security guard exam papers

Shamin Uddin, the former director of SAS Training Academy of Telford, was sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court to eight months prison for falsifying examination papers for people trying to get a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence.

The licences are needed for people to work in the private security industry, such as doormen, and staff that transport cash and valuables.

The sentence also required Uddin, 33, of Lake View Close, Telford, to pay £2,000 costs.

He had pleaded guilty to seven charges of using a false instrument with the intention that it be accepted as genuine.

The conclusion of the case brings to an end a four-year process started by the Security Industry Authority that investigated malpractice at SAS Training's operations in Barking, East London, its headquarters at Wednesbury, and in Inverness, Scotland.

Sentencing, Recorder Jackson said the offence was "particularly serious because it strikes at the heart of the (licensing) system".

He said: "Organisations rely upon staff they believe to be properly trained to deal with those situations. The public needs to have confidence in those that work within the security industry."

The British Institute of Innkeeping Awarding Body (BIIAB) originally investigated SAS Training Academy's premises in June 2015 after finding evidence of training malpractice.

The organisation suspended SAS Training Academy, withdrew its certification, and referred the complaint to the SIA.

In June 2015 the BIIAB became concerned about the examination paperwork presented to them by SAS Training Academy.

BIIAB verifiers found no candidates present at SAS Training Academy's operations in Barking, Essex.

The alleged exam room was also too small to fit the number of learners whose details had been provided by BIIAB as attending for examinations.

Answers

In the same month, the BIIAB made an unannounced external quality assurance visit to SAS Training Academy offices in Wednesbury.

Investigators discovered that the correct answers had been highlighted on some exam papers in order to help candidates.

When questioned, Uddin denied that the examination process was insecure and refused to allow the BIIAB representatives to talk with other members of staff present.

The awarding organisation had also became aware that candidates' details were being changed at very short notice when the papers were submitted to them. In addition, SAS Training Academy were submitting examination paperwork to the BIIAB on photocopied sheets.

It became apparent during the SIA investigation that examination papers were being submitted to the BIIAB from various examination venues across the UK with false learner details being added to the list of genuine learners.

A trainer was interviewed regarding courses he allegedly provided on behalf of SAS Training Academy.

He confirmed that he had not conducted the training, and disputed that it was his personal details and signature on the paperwork submitted.

At other venues false details of alleged learners' names had been added to examination paperwork.

Nathan Salmon, an SIA criminal investigations manager, said: "Buyers of security have a right, and an expectation, that the staff they are supplied with hold a valid SIA licence that has been awarded on the basis of successful completion of training of a qualification by an awarding body such as the British Institute of Innkeeping Awarding Body (BIIAB). We are grateful to the BIIAB for their persistent and robust assessment of training providers and for calling out the fraudulent actions of this former training provider.

"We have satisfied ourselves that no licences were granted following Mr Uddin's actions; a number of learners had to attend alternative courses with other training providers."

He added: "The potential damage Mr Uddin might have done to the reputation of the private security industry is immeasurable. This action, brought against him as the proprietor of SAS Training by the SIA, demonstrates that any suspicious training provision will be identified and may be prosecuted. The SIA will not tolerate malpractice in the provision of training to an industry that is working hard to be respected and reputable.

"The SIA works hard with awarding organisations to ensure that only those people who deserve a qualification gets one. The vast majority of training providers do a good job and make a really positive contribution to the industry, and I am sure will welcome this prosecution."

SAS Training Academy Ltd ceased operating in December 2016.