Alick Kapikanya, a 57-year-old convicted fraudster who led a deceitful life camouflaged under the guise of wealth and success, is finally set to be deported from the UK after an astonishing 27-year legal battle. The Court of Appeal recently ruled that his prolonged stay, despite multiple deportation orders, has come to an end, sending the native Zambian back to his home country after 42 years in Britain.
The Lavish Lifestyle Fueled by Fraud
Under the alias Alex May, Kapikanya lived in luxury, owning mansions in Cheshire’s exclusive ‘Golden Triangle,’ residing in prestigious Manchester suburbs, and even engaging in discussions with local officials and football clubs. Yet, this glamorous life, filled with chauffeur-driven limousines, five-star hotels, and grand casino nights at The Ritz, was built on the misery of others.
Kapikanya’s history of deceit involved an elaborate £3.5 million mortgage scam. He led a fraud gang that targeted elderly homeowners by stealing their identities, remortgaging their properties, and pocketing the cash. Victims found themselves in distress as they were forced to reclaim the legal ownership of their homes, while Kapikanya squandered the ill-gotten money on gambling and luxury cars.
A Criminal Record Spanning Decades
Arriving in the UK at age 14 to be adopted, Kapikanya’s life took a dark turn when the adoption fell through. His criminal activities began with a conviction for attempted fraud and theft in 1992. Over the years, he accumulated 11 convictions, ranging from vehicle theft to mortgage-related fraud. Despite being warned of deportation as early as 1998, Kapikanya evaded removal repeatedly by exploiting legal loopholes and appealing decisions.
In 2014, his role in the £3.5 million mortgage fraud, alongside accomplices like property tycoon Marshall Joseph (known as ‘Mr Fastcash’), led to a six-year prison sentence. The scam targeted homes across Manchester, Cheshire, and Lincolnshire, utilizing fake documents to pose as homeowners and secure fraudulent loans. When the scam unraveled, the victims faced enormous emotional and legal distress.
The Final Deportation Order
Although previously allowed to remain in the UK on appeals citing family circumstances and health issues, Kapikanya’s run of luck has come to an end. Judges at the Court of Appeal remarked on the extensive delays and appeals that allowed him to stay in the UK for over a quarter of a century, describing the situation as ‘unduly harsh’ on his victims rather than on him.
The decision followed years of failed deportation attempts by the Home Office and a history of appeals citing his family, including his wife and son. Despite arguments about his integration into UK society, Justice finally caught up with the fraudster as judges paved the way for the deportation order issued in November 2016 to be enforced.
As Alick Kapikanya’s UK chapter comes to an ignominious end, his story stands as a cautionary tale about the lengths criminals can go to sustain their deceptive lifestyles and the challenges authorities face in upholding justice amidst prolonged legal battles.
