By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
An illegal worker was arrested in Stroud during an immigration enforcement and police operation in the market town on Friday.
Officers visited three premises in the town centre as part of an ongoing National Crime Agency-coordinated project tackling money laundering and criminal use of cash-intensive high street businesses.
An Iraqi man, who did not have the right to work in the UK, was arrested at Stroud Barbers in King Street, according to the Home Office.
Officers visited the shop and entry was gained by fully informed consent. Stroud Barbers have been approached for comment.
The Home Office also confirmed they visited Fashion Nails and Spa in King Street as well as First Class Barbers in George Street where no arrests were made.
Jan, the manager of First Class Barbers who did not give his last name, said: “It was no problem for me. The officers said they were checking everywhere.
“It was a little bit different. We don’t have police coming in every week so it was a very different experience.”
Fashion Nails and Spa declined to comment.
A Gloucestershire Constabulary spokesperson confirmed officers from the Stroud Neighbourhood Policing Team assisted immigration colleagues with checks in the town.
“This activity was part of Project Machinize, the ongoing NCA-coordinated project to tackle money laundering and criminal use of cash-intensive high street businesses,” a spokesperson said.
The Home Office says enforcement visits are up 50 per cent over the last year and they will be stepping up action further.
“Illegal working undermines honest employers, undercut local wages, and fuels the criminal industry of immigration crime,” a Home Office spokesperson said.“This government is determined to clamp down on that illegal activity in every sector where it occurs, including the service sector.
“Under this government, enforcement action nationwide has increased, with visits and arrests up by around 50 per cent on the previous twelve months, and we will be stepping up that action further in the year ahead.”