Immigration Enforcement Raids at DPD Depots Lead to Nine Arrests
Nine persons working for parcel delivery business DPD have been arrested on suspicion of immigration crimes after enforcement operations at depots in Hampshire and Berkshire, the Home Office said.
Immigration Enforcement agents raided DPD sites in Basingstoke and Newbury on Thursday morning, checking more than 100 people’s right to work at the two locations.
The Home Office said those arrested included seven Indian nationals, one Ghanaian national and one Pakistani national. They are believed to be working illegally in the UK.
All nine have been released on bond under immigration constraints, pending additional investigations.
Home Office Continues Crackdown on Illegal Working
The Home Office said the operation was part of the government’s ongoing campaign on illegal working. Authorities will now try to find out who could be behind hiring the people. Employers who flout immigration laws might face fines of up to £60,000 per worker.
DPD Responds to Immigration Enforcement Operation
The firm had completely co-operated with the operation, a DPD spokesman said.
“We assisted Immigration Enforcement officers in the removal of a small number of people from our Newbury and Basingstoke depots and we will continue to fully assist with their investigation.”
The company said it has strict employment verification procedures and will assess its own procedures and those of key third-party recruitment agencies and suppliers.
Illegal Working Enforcement Activity Rises Across the UK
Since July 2024, the Home Office stated there has been a huge increase in enforcement activity against unlawful working, with arrests up 83% and raids up 77% across the UK. The Home Office described the initiative as the biggest level of enforcement activity in British history.
Conclusion
The latest immigration enforcement raids at DPD depots in Hampshire and Berkshire highlight the UK government’s continued efforts to tackle illegal working and strengthen immigration compliance. With increased enforcement activity, employers are being urged to ensure strict right-to-work checks and compliance with immigration regulations to avoid substantial penalties.