A BBC investigation reveals a suspicious network of fake asylum applications from gay people. Criminals help people create false evidence. This seriously harms real gay refugees.

A BBC reporter spoke undercover with two people wanting to forge asylum applications. They offered to create false evidence. For payment, the journalist could claim he is gay and persecuted in his home country. Such applications unfortunately exist: people truly flee violence because of their sexual orientation.

The problem is large. When fake cases slip through controls, officials distrust real gay 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, real gay people fleeing persecution. They are not believed because others misused their story. Second, countries face difficulties because they must check many more applications. The BBC calls on authorities to fight this criminal network harder.