Marry for money: sham unions on the up

Sham marriages where foreign men pay to marry Eastern European women in order to stay in the UK have increased by 50 per cent, the BBC reports.

An exclusive investigation made by the broadcaster shows an undercover operation exposing the ease at which such unions take place.

A recent court ruling has allowed non-residents to marry, saying a proposed ban on marriage is against their human rights.

The British Home Office has expressed regret at the court's decision, and says it is frustrated by the increase in sham marriages occurring in the country.