Nearly 20 migrants suspected of working illegally as delivery drivers have been arrested in a dawn raid on a caravan park in Bromley, south-east London. The operation, carried out by the Metropolitan Police and Home Office immigration officers, took place shortly after 4.30am on Thursday following a tip-off.
In total, nine women and nine men were arrested, all of Brazilian, Polish or Czech nationality, the Home Office said. Investigators believe some of those arrested had been using legitimate delivery riders' accounts to complete food deliveries, a practice known as 'substituting', while having no legal right to work in the UK. Officials said the suspects had overstayed their visas and admitted to illegal working.
Eight of those arrested have been detained while arrangements are made for their removal from the UK. The remaining ten were released on immigration bail pending further inquiries. The raid is part of a wider government crackdown on illegal working, which has seen a surge in enforcement activity across the country.
Border Security and Asylum Minister Alex Norris said: 'We are coming down hard on illegal working and ramping up removals of those with no right to be here. Illegal workers will be swiftly arrested, detained and removed wherever possible.' Immigration Enforcement Inspector Kelly Griffiths added: 'I hope this raid sends a clear message that those involved in illegal working will face the full force of the law.'
The government is also planning tougher rules for companies using gig-economy workers. Under new laws, firms hiring people for delivery work will have to check their legal right to work. Bosses who fail to do so could face fines of up to £60,000 per worker, director bans, and prison sentences of up to five years.
