Six Chinese illegal workers, one of whom entered the country illegally, were arrested at a business park in Thamesmead this week.

Immigration enforcement officers raided Egouexpress, in White Hart Avenue, just off Eastern Way, at 11.40am on Wednesday (May 4).

They found five of the men, who are aged between 31 and 46, had overstayed their visas.

The business owner is now facing fines of up to £120,000, unless he or she can demonstrate that proper right to work document checks were carried out.

Meanwhile, only four of the men are currently facing deportation – whilst the other two must report regularly to Immigration Enforcement whilst their cases are progressed.

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Head of the Home Office’s south London immigration enforcement team Graham Blackwood said: “We take robust action against employers in south London which choose to use illegal labour.

“Illegal working is not victimless and can involve the exploitation of some of society’s most vulnerable people.

“It also defrauds the treasury of vital funds, undercuts businesses that provide an honest trade and cheats legitimate job seekers out of employment opportunities.

“We are happy to work with employers who want to play by the rules. However, those who attempt to cheat the rules can expect to be caught and to face stiff financial consequences.

“We rely on information from the public and I would urge people to report suspected immigration abuse to us.”

Report suspected immigration abuse at gov.uk/report-immigration-crime or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.