An Albanian man who has allegedly been working in St Albans illegally has been arrested following an immigration raid at a car wash yesterday (Thursday).

The 30 year old, who was found to have entered the UK illegally, was working at St Albans Car Wash in Brick Knoll Park when immigration enforcement officers arrived at about 2pm to question staff about their right to live and work in the UK.

He has since been detained pending his removal from the UK and the business faces a penalty of up to £20,000 unless it can demonstrate that right to work checks were carried out.

This includes seeing a passport or Home Office document confirming permission to work.

Immigration officer Mark Keen said: “We carry out regular operations in Hertfordshire and those who ignore the rules will face the consequences. All of our operations are intelligence-led and I would urge anyone with detailed and specific information about suspected immigration offences to get in touch.

“Our efforts to tackle illegal working will not stop. Using illegal labour is not a victimless crime. It defrauds the Treasury, undercuts honest businesses and cheats legitimate job seekers of employment opportunities.”

For more information on right to work checks click here.