Fake SIA Licence Lands Man with Suspended Jail and Community Service
Ahmed Altorshan has been slapped with a 17-week jail sentence—suspended for 12 months—after pleading guilty to fraud. The Southend-on-Sea Magistrates’ Court also ordered him to complete 120 hours of unpaid work and cough up £628 in costs and victim surcharge.
Car Crash Uncovers Fraudulent Licence
The saga began on April 29, 2021, when Altorshan crashed his car into a tree in Bristol. Injured, he was rushed to hospital. Police investigating found several identity cards in his car, including a forged Security Industry Authority (SIA) door supervisor’s licence.
This counterfeit licence was a direct copy of a genuine holder’s ID. Avon and Somerset Police quickly handed the case to Home Office Immigration, who alerted the SIA. Essex Police then raided Altorshan’s Southend home but found him absent.
Confession but No Work Use
On February 28, 2022, SIA investigators grilled Altorshan—using an interpreter—at another address. He admitted paying for the fake licence but insisted he never used it to get work.
The district judge laid into him: “You paid for this card as you couldn’t find employment legally due to your immigration status. You could have endangered the public without proper training or safeguarding.”
SIA Chief Warns of Public Danger
Jenny Hart, SIA’s Criminal Investigations Manager, said: “This road accident exposed a serious licensing fraud. Possessing a fake SIA licence is illegal and unacceptable.”
She praised Avon and Somerset Police, Essex Police, and Home Office Immigration for their teamwork. “The licensing regime protects the public by ensuring licence holders are fit, proper, and trained. Thankfully, Mr. Altorshan never used the licence, but he now faces a criminal record and a tough penalty.”
