Legal News

City of Wolverhampton Council has hailed the success of Operation Riposte raids to tackle suspected immigration offenders and the sale of illegal cigarettes and alcohol.

Operation Riposte cracks down on immigration abuse and fake goods.

At one business – Mini Mart Retail based at 443 Dudley Road in Wolverhampton – Immigration Enforcement officers discovered a 29-year-old Indian man who had overstayed his student visa.

He was escorted from the premises as he had no permission to work – and
Mini Mart was served a notice warning that they are liable for a financial penalty of up to £20,000 for employing an illegal worker, unless evidence is provided that correct pre -employment checks were carried out.

These checks include inspecting a passport or an official Home Office document before offering employment.

At a second premise, officers arrested a 46-year-old man from India for overstaying his visitor’s visa.

Both men have been ordered to report regularly to the Home Office while their cases are progressed.

Wolverhampton Council’s Assistant Director Immigration Enforcement, Carol Scarr, said:

“Businesses in the West Midlands should be aware that they need to carry out simple checks on their employees, or face a financial penalty.

“Immigration Enforcement teams regularly support partner agencies – and also lead our own operations to make sure these rules are enforced.

“We rely on information from members of the public – and I would urge anyone with information about suspected immigration abuse to get in touch.”

Council and police officers also used sniffer dogs to search premises – seizing £5,000 of illegal cigarettes, chewing tobacco and blunts.

A large quantity of oral tobacco, which is completely banned in the UK, was also seized at one shop – and Trading Standards is now liaising with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.

The first raids under the Operation Riposte banner took place in July and saw the £150,000 seizure of counterfeit tobacco and alcohol in the Whitmore Reans area of Wolverhampton – the city's biggest ever haul, which resulted in two off licences losing their licences.

Cabinet Member for City Environment, Councillor Steve Evans, said:

“Operation Riposte is proving very effective for our Trading Standards and licensing teams, working in partnership with the police and immigration officers.

“The operation is ongoing, as we continue to act on community intelligence to target this illegal trade.”

Duncan Lewis Immigration Solicitors

Duncan Lewis immigration solicitors can advise on a wide range of immigration matters, including illegal entry to the UK, asylum in the UK and asylum appeals – as well as appeals against deportation from the UK under the Human Rights Act.

Duncan Lewis is a successful firm of Legal Aid immigration solicitors – and can advise on right to work in the UK, work visas, visa overstays and student visas.

For expert legal advice on UK immigration law – including appeals against deportation from the UK using human rights legislation – call Duncan Lewis immigration solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

For urgent help with immigration matters, call the Duncan Lewis 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607, where an accredited immigration lawyer is available 24/7.