A 21-year-old man who attempted to enter the UK with a fake passport has been jailed for 12 months after being caught at Gatwick Airport.

Ledian Hajdaraj was sentenced to 12 months in prison at Lewes Crown Court on October 13. He pleaded guilty to possessing a fake passport in an attempt to illegally enter the UK.

Hajdaraj was apprehended upon arrival at Gatwick Airport on September 14, 2026, having travelled from Belfast.

According to Sussex Police, officers working under Project Servator – a national policing tactic designed to disrupt crime and terrorism – “had reasonable suspicion to check the validity of his documents”.

A 21-year-old man who attempted to enter the UK with a fake passport has been jailed for 12 months after being caught at Gatwick Airport. Photo: Sussex Police.

placeholder image — A 21-year-old man who attempted to enter the UK with a fake passport has been jailed for 12 months after being caught at Gatwick Airport. Photo: Sussex Police.

The Italian passport that Hajdaraj provided did not match the national database. After further questioning, he admitted to giving a false name and nationality.

Officers correctly identified the detainee as 21-year-old Ledian Hajdaraj, discovering and seizing his original passport. He was then arrested and transported to custody for interview, where he went ‘no comment’ throughout.

He has since pleaded guilty to possessing a fake passport in an attempt to illegally enter the UK, and has now been jailed for 12 months.

Detective Sergeant Mark Baker, of Gatwick Operations, said: “Project Servator is a national policing tactic used by Sussex Police – including at Gatwick Airport – designed to disrupt crime and terrorism while providing a reassuring, highly visible presence.

"We will continue to work with partners to identify and prosecute anyone who attempts to illegally enter the UK through false representation or any other means.”