SEVEN suspected illegal workers have been arrested following a sting operation by Home Office immigration enforcement officers at businesses in Cwmbran and Ebbw Vale.

Acting on intelligence, officers visited the Golden Gate takeaway, on Chapel Street, Pontnewydd, Cwmbran, la st Thursday , October 3, to check the immigration status of the staff.

Three Chinese men aged 21 to 45 were arrested and detained on suspicion of working illegally. One man had overstayed his visa, another was in the country illegally and the third had his asylum claim refused. They are all in detention while steps are taken to remove them from the country. Last month, on Tuesday, September 17, officers also carried out a visit to Lifestyle Express at the Hilltop Shopping Centre, Ebbw Vale, when two Indian men aged 23 and 25 were arrested on suspicion of overstaying their visas. At Spar on Church Street, Ebbw Vale, two Indian men aged 26 and 67 were arrested for the same offence.

The 23-year-old, 26-year-old and 67-year-old have been released temporarily on immigration bail. All must now report regularly to the Home Office, while the 25-year-old man is in Home Office detention as steps are taken to remove them from the country.

Each business was served with a notice warning that a civil penalty of up to £10,000 per illegal worker found may be imposed, unless proof is provided that the correct right-to-work checks were carried out.

Anyone who suspects that illegal workers are being employed at a business or someone is living in the UK illegally can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.