Security Guard Scandal: London man nabbed for lending his SIA licence to a stranger – faces a suspended jail term and hefty fines!
Licence Fraud Exposed at Charity
Dada Taofiki Olaniyan, a security guard, was caught letting an unknown man use his Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence to work in his place – while Olaniyan pocketed the cash for shifts he never did.
The scam was uncovered in January 2020 during a routine check at the Ronald McDonald Charity House in London, where security is vital for vulnerable families. Investigators found someone else flashing Olaniyan’s licence. Shockingly, Olaniyan hadn’t worked there since 2019 but still cashed in.
Court Hits Hard with Suspended Sentence and Money Back
On 1 July 2024, Kingston Crown Court found Olaniyan guilty and handed down a two-year prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. A December hearing revealed he illegally earned nearly £9,000. The SIA will seize the full amount under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).
He’s also slapped with £5,860 in costs plus a £140 victim surcharge. The fraudster officially lost his licence and now has a criminal record.
SIA Condemns Abuse of Trust
“SIA licence holders are trained and vetted to hold positions of authority and trust. Olaniyan abused this position and used his licence fraudulently to allow an unknown, untrained, and unlicensed individual to work protecting vulnerable families,” said Nicola Bolton, SIA Criminal Investigations Manager.
“Olaniyan has lost his licence and now has a criminal record. This prosecution is a lesson to anyone thinking of committing fraud that crime does not pay.”
The SIA confirmed recovered funds will support good causes across the UK.
Fraud Warning for the Security Industry
This case highlights the vital need for strict licence integrity in security, especially when protecting vulnerable people. Olaniyan’s conviction sends a sharp warning that fraudulent schemes will be brutally pursued and punished.
