11 arrested during joint Norfolk Police and Immigration Enforcement operation
Week-long action targets organised immigration crime across the county
Eleven people have been arrested following a joint operation between Norfolk Police and Immigration Enforcement aimed at tackling organised immigration crime.
Officers carried out checks in Norwich, Thetford and King’s Lynn between 24 and 28 November as part of Operation Silent, stopping vehicles used for commercial purposes including vans, mopeds and electric bikes.
A total of 70 immigration checks were carried out, with eight people arrested for immigration offences such as illegal entry, illegal working and overstaying.
Two men were arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle. One of them, 39-year-old Carl Byford from Hampshire, was later jailed for eight months after admitting handling stolen goods and driving offences.
Police also arrested a man delivering food on an illegally modified e-bike after he gave false details and was found to be in breach of bail conditions.
In total, 15 illegally modified e-bikes and eight vehicles were seized during the operation.
Police say the action is designed to disrupt criminal networks that exploit vulnerable migrants, particularly within the delivery sector.