Two illegal immigrants have been arrested after the Home Office raided a property on the A419 in Wiltshire.
Immigration Enforcement officers visited the site next to BP Seven Bridges, between Swindon and Cricklade, on Wednesday morning (8 October).
It appears officers forced entry into a house attached to a derelict MOT centre on the site.
Two men, aged 38 and 41, were arrested having overstayed their visa.
One suspect was detained for removal, while the other was released on bail with conditions.
The Home Office confirmed that a Civil Penalty Referral Notice was served on a business.
According to GOV.UK, the notice informs the firm that action is being considered – with fines of up to £60,000 for each illegal worker found to be employed.
A spokesperson added: “Illegal working undermines honest employers, undercuts local wages, and fuels the criminal industry of immigration crime.
“This government is determined to clamp down on that illegal activity in every sector where it occurs.
“Under this government, enforcement action nationwide has increased, with visits and arrests up by around 50% on the previous twelve months, and we will be stepping up that action further in the year ahead.”
Editor’s note: In a statement to us, the Home Office stated that this happened at the BP garage, but it’s being suggested that the property involved is not connected to BP at all – and is a separate business entirely. We’ve asked the Home Office to clarify and urgently correct any errors in their statement. We’ve edited the article slightly to reflect this.
