FOUR illegal immigrants have been arrested in a Glasgow Chinese takeaway.

Immigration officers swooped on I-Chai Oriental Cuisine, detaining four staff members.

Takeaway bosses were warned against using illegal labour and threatened with a fine of up to £80,000.

Ian Tyldesley, Assistant Director for Immigration Enforcement in Scotland with the Home Office, said: “This is a clear warning to those in Glasgow abusing our immigration laws; our dedicated and well-resourced teams will find you.

“Using illegal labour is not a victimless crime; it cheats the taxpayer, undercuts honest employers and means legitimate job seekers are denied employment opportunities. 

"It also exploits some of society’s most vulnerable people."

Immigration Enforcement officers visited the Crow Road takeaway on January 6 acting on information.

During the check, at around 5pm, 41-year-old Malaysian woman and three Malaysian men, aged 24, 30 and 43, were arrested for overstaying their leave to be in the country.

All four have been detained while steps are taken to remove them from the UK.

The business was served a notice warning that financial penalties of up to £20,000 per illegal worker found will be imposed unless they can demonstrate that appropriate right to work document checks were carried out. 

If proof is not provided, the business could be charged up to £80,000.
Mr Tyldesley added: “We are happy to work with employers who want to adhere to the rules but those who flout them will face heavy financial penalties.

“I would urge anyone with detailed and specific information about suspected immigration abuse to get in touch.”