Two suspected illegal immigrants working at a takeaway restaurant in Cadishead, Salford, have been arrested after a raid by Home Office officials.
Acting on a tip-off, Immigration Enforcement officers visited the Mothi restaurant on Liverpool Road in Cadishead at around 10pm on Friday 3 July.
Checks on staff revealed that two Bangladeshi men aged 26 and 34 were in the UK illegally, say the Home Office.
Both were arrested on scene, supported by Greater Manchester Police officers from Irlam and Cadishead, and have now been detained pending their removal from the country.
Mothi restaurant could now face a penalty of up to £40,000 – £20,000 per alleged illegal worker – unless management can provide evidence that pre-employment checks were carried out, such as seeing a passport or Home Office document.
Paul Airlie, Assistant Director of the Greater Manchester Home Office Immigration Enforcement Team, said: “We will not relent in our efforts to tackle illegal working in Greater Manchester. Using illegal labour is not a victimless crime.
“It defrauds the Treasury of much-needed funds, undercuts businesses who ply an honest trade and cheats legitimate job seekers our of employment opportunities.
“There are simple checks employers can carry out to ensure their employees have the right to work in the UK. Those who choose to ignore the rules will face the consequences.
“I would urge people with detailed and specific information about suspected immigration abuse to contact us.”
Information to help employers carry out checks to prevent illegal working can be found online here.
Anyone with information about suspected immigration abuse can report it online here or call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Image © Home Office
