Two Arrested in Immigration Sting at Stockport Abattoir
Two men have been detained following a major immigration crackdown at a meat processing plant in Greater Manchester.
Raid Hits Manchester Abattoir Ltd
On the night of 16 March, over 25 Home Office Immigration Enforcement officers swooped on Manchester Abattoir Limited in Stockport. The operation led to the arrest of two males of Somali and Congolese origin suspected of immigration offences.
Visa Overstayer and Asylum Seeker Held
One suspect was caught overstaying his visa, while the other did not have permission to work due to a pending asylum claim. Both were released on immigration bail pending further inquiry.
Employer Faces Hefty Fines Over Illegal Workers
Neither man had passed the required employment checks for abattoir work. Manchester Abattoir Ltd now faces Civil Penalty Notices with potential fines up to £40,000. The company has prior brushes with the law over animal welfare violations.
HM Inspector Kendal Barnett of Home Office Immigration Enforcement said:
“Illegal working puts vulnerable people at risk of exploitation, cheats legitimate job seekers out of employment and defrauds the public purse.”
“I’m pleased that tonight’s operation was a success and that our dedicated officers were able to arrest two immigration offenders. We will continue to work tirelessly to put a stop to this kind of criminality.”
