Six suspected illegal workers arrested in Welsh restaurant chain
Arrests made at Florentino’s restaurants in Carmarthen and Tenby
Six people have been arrested on suspicion of illegal working at Florentino’s Italian restaurants in Carmarthen and Tenby.
Immigration Enforcement officers acted on intelligence to carry out the arrests in South Wales, beginning with four individuals detained at the Carmarthen restaurant in February.
The initiative subsequently extended to Florentino's Tenby location, where two people were held after being found without the right to work.
Three of those arrested have returned to their home countries, and one other is currently in the process of returning.
Another person has been placed on immigration bail under strict conditions while further inquiries are conducted.
One person was de-arrested with a warning.
Authorities are now working to determine which employer is responsible for hiring, with potential fines of up to £60,000 per worker for breaches of the law.
The operation is part of the Home Secretary's broader reforms to enhance immigration enforcement and reduce the incentives attracting illegal migrants to the UK.
Richard Johnson, the Immigration Enforcement Lead for Wales, expressed his gratitude, stating:
“I want to thank my officers who showed the highest levels of professionalism under challenging circumstances on these operations."
Johnson also noted how Welsh enforcement teams work tirelessly to ensure businesses comply with regulations and individuals without UK rights are identified and returned expediently.