Seven illegal takeaway workers face being kicked out of the country after a series of immigration raids across Perthshire.
Home Office teams swooped on Perth’s New Diamond Takeaway in Rannoch Road, the Canton Cuisine in Blairgowrie and the Scone Fish and Chip Shop at 6pm on Wednesday. They also raided the Spice Village Garden in Bridge of Earn later that night.
Officers questioned staff at each business to determine whether they had the right to live and work in the UK.
The men arrested include a 26-year-old Malaysian found at the New Diamond, who has been detained while steps are being taken to remove him from the country.
At the same takeaway, a 32-year-old man, also from Malaysia, was also arrested. He has been released while his case is progressed and he has been ordered to report to the Home Office.
Two Chinese men, aged 28 and 38, found at the Canton Cuisine, a 49-year-old Malaysia man found at the Scone Fish and Chip Shop and have been also detained and could be forced to leave the country.
A 26-year-old man from India and a 36-year-old Pakistani were also found at the Spice Village Garden.
Stephen Roarty, from Home Office Immigration Enforcement, said last night: “These arrests serve as a warning to businesses in Perthshire using illegal labour.”
The businesses now face potential penalties of up to £20,000 per illegal worker arrested.