Eight people suspected of working illegally in the UK have been arrested after a number of illegal working visits to nail bars and restaurants in Lancaster and Morecambe.
Operation Sandstorm is a joint operation between Lancashire Police, Immigration Enforcement and Trading Standards that saw four businesses visited and eight workers arrested.
All four businesses have been issued with a civil penalty referral notice and further inquiries to establish any liability will now take place. The liable employer could face a substantial fine if it’s found they employed illegal workers and failed to conduct relevant pre-employment checks.
Five Vietnamese men were arrested at three different nail bars, one in Morecambe and two in Lancaster, following modern slavery concerns and suspected illegal working highlighted by the police.
Three had outstanding asylum claims or appeals meaning they had no right to work in the UK. The two other men were found to have entered the UK illegally and were placed on strict immigration bail, pending travel documents being issued to facilitate their removal.
No modern slavery concerns were discovered.
Three Bangladeshi men were later arrested at an Indian restaurant in Lancaster. Two were detained pending their removal from the UK for breaching their visa conditions. The third was bailed pending travel documents being issued.
The operation forms part of a ramp-up of operational action by Immigration Enforcement teams who, between 5 July 2024 and 31 May, have carried out 9,000 illegal working visits and made 6,410 arrests – an increase of 48% and 51% compared to the same period 12 months prior.
Alan Bushnell, North West Immigration Compliance and Enforcement lead, said: "I am proud of my team for the results of Operation Sandstorm which demonstrates that businesses will not get away with employing illegal workers in our community.
“We will continue to target those who flout the law - both individuals and the businesses that exploit them - to protect workers, uphold the integrity of our immigration system, and ensure a level playing field for honest employers.
“I’d like to thank our partners in Lancashire Police and Trading Standards for their help in making this operation such a success.”
PC Katie Foster, Lancaster and Morecambe Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Lancashire Police have a close working relationship with North-West Immigration through the Genga Partnership that looks to target Organised Crime and the vulnerabilities this creates in communities.
“The recent operation in Morecambe and Lancaster shows that non-compliance with Immigration rules will be targeted. The arrests on the day should act as a deterrent and offer some reassurance to those effected by illegal working."
Police issue quicksand warning after riverbank danger for school pupils in Lancaster
Lancaster animal shelter launches 'Big Build' fundraiser to help save charity
LISTEN: Morecambe "definitely submitting a bid" to become first UK Town of Culture
Heysham Port upgrade blamed for traffic chaos 'trapping residents in their homes'
LISTEN: Tourism champs hail Eden Project and Tour de France as huge for Morecambe Bay area
Donation helps college pan ability football team to play in national championships
LISTEN: Meet the new manager of the Midland Hotel in Morecambe
LISTEN: Main contractor to build Eden Project Morecambe to be announced this month
£1.2m of funding for flood defence schemes in Lancaster district announced
Morecambe Bay hospital trust unveils new painless blood test
Thousands raised to help boost return of Lancaster Music Festival
High street computer games shop in Lancaster closes down
LISTEN: Carnforth actor wins Hollywood and Paris awards for horror film role
"1600 potholes repaired last week" says councillor as roads debate rumbles on
Burger King takeaway in Lancaster city centre closes down
Morecambe lifeboat crew reunite dog lost on sands with owner
New Morrisons Daily supermarket opens in Morecambe
Council investigate after derelict food trailer found dumped in Lancaster layby
Man charged after pedestrian died in Morecambe hit and run
LISTEN: We go out on Pothole Patrol in Morecambe
