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Eleven arrested in Wales-wide immigration raids


18 October 2012

Eleven immigration offenders have been caught in a series of our raids on businesses and residential addresses across Wales.

On 13 October, our officers carried out an intelligence-led raid at Jewel Balti, Drybridge Street, Monmouth, where a Bangledeshi man working in the kitchen was detained.

On 11 October, An Indian man was arrested at a branch of Burger King, Central Square, Cardiff.

In Wrexham on 10 October, an Indian man was detained at a property in Victoria Street in the town.

Two days of raids on residential address in Cardiff saw 2 Bangladeshi men arrested at a property in Jackson Road, Ely, on 9 October. On 8 October, an Indian man was arrested in Thesiger Street, Cathays, and a 2nd Indian man arrested at property in City Road.

Also on 8 October, a Bulgarian man was detained at a flat in Rhosddu Road, Wrexham.

Finally, a raid on Ashoka, Nolton Street, Bridgend, on 5 October resulted in the arrest of 3 Bangladeshi workers.

The 11 men detained by the us had committed a range of immigration offences including over-staying visas, working illegally in breach of visa conditions, staying in the country after an asylum claim had been rejected and entering the UK illegally.

The UK Border Agency is now taking action to remove the offenders as soon as possible.

Rob Whiteman, chief executive, UK Border Agency said:

'Our officers in Wales work hard to prevent abuse of the immigration system and are tracking down offenders wherever they are.

'As these enforcement visits show, people who are here illegally should be in no doubt that they will be found, arrested and removed from the country.

'Companies tempted to try to undercut competitors by deliberately employing illegal workers should be warned that they will face heavy fines and possible prosecution.'

Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to avoid employing illegal workers can visit the Preventing illegal working section, or they can call the UK Border Agency's Employers Helpline on 0300 123 4699.

Anyone with information about suspected immigration abuse can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously or complete the Report immigration crime form.