Arrest made as Immigration Enforcement teams raid two cash and carry stores

Immigration Enforcement team vehicle in Rochdale

Immigration police raided two cash and carry stores in Rochdale (Thursday 7 April), arresting a 28-year-old Iraqi man working at Haji Cash & Carry who has an outstanding immigration application which does not entitle him to work.

Home Office Immigration Enforcement arrived on scene at lunchtime today, joined by officers from Greater Manchester Police, to execute warrants at the stores.

An earlier visit was made on Monday (4 April) to a takeaway shop in Rochdale, although no arrests were made.

A spokesperson for the Home Office said: “Earlier today (Thursday 7 April) Home Office Immigration Enforcement officers visited Haji Cash & Carry, Station Approach, Lower Tweedale Street, Rochdale.

“Checks on staff established that a 28-year-old Iraqi man had an outstanding immigration application which did not entitle him to work. He was escorted from the premises and must report regularly to Immigration Enforcement while his case is progressed.

“The business was served notice warning that a financial penalty of up to £20,000 will be imposed unless they can demonstrate that appropriate right to work document checks were carried out, such as seeing a passport or Home Office document confirming permission to work.”

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “Immigration officers supported by officers from GMP’s Rochdale Division and partners from the Local Authority executed warrants at two cash and carry premises in Rochdale.

“The warrants were executed in connection with an investigation into reports of people working in breach of immigration legislation.”

Further enquiries are ongoing.