Scarborough Man Faces Charges Over Fake SIA Reference

Fake SIA references can lead to serious legal repercussions, as demonstrated in the case of Michael Fenwick, who was convicted for producing a fraudulent employment reference while applying for an SIA licence. On 1 May 2026, at Scarborough Magistrates’ Court, Mr. Fenwick entered a guilty plea under Section 3 of the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981. He was subsequently fined £230, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £90, and responsible for prosecution costs totaling £600, culminating in a grand total of £920. In October 2025, Mr. Fenwick submitted a reference to the SIA, claiming it was from his previous supervisor. However, upon investigation, SIA licensing staff contacted the supervisor, who confirmed he had never issued any reference for Mr. Fenwick. During a cautionary interview with SIA investigators at Scarborough Police Station, Mr. Fenwick confessed to forging the reference in an attempt to secure an SIA licence without providing a legitimate employment reference. Nicola Bolton, SIA Criminal Enforcement Manager, stated: "Mr. Fenwick’s efforts to deceive the SIA in our licensing process posed a potential risk to public safety. Fortunately, the deception was promptly identified by the SIA’s Licensing Team. Our licensing process is thorough, and any attempts to manipulate the system will be dealt with decisively." In the UK, it is legally mandated that security operatives working under contract must possess and display a valid SIA licence. For more information about SIA enforcement and penalties, visit [GOV.UK/SIA](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/security-industry-authority). The offences related to the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981 include: - Section 3 – using a false instrument. The SIA is the regulatory body overseeing the private security industry in the UK, reporting directly to the Home Secretary in accordance with the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The SIA’s primary responsibilities include the mandatory licensing of individuals engaged in designated activities and the management of the optional Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS). For insights on security industry standards, check [this resource](https://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/). For further details on immigration and related services, visit our website [Globe Migrant](www.globemigrant.com). For related articles on security regulations, explore these links: [Globe Migrant Articles](www.globemigrant.com/articles). Source: [https://www.gov.uk/government/news/scarborough-man-prosecuted-for-supplying-fake-reference-to-sia](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/scarborough-man-prosecuted-for-supplying-fake-reference-to-sia)

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