24-05-2025
East Lothian Chinese takeaway raided by Home Office as workers 'taken away in van'
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Workers at a Chinese takeaway in East Lothian were 'taken away in a van' after the Home Office executed a raid at the restaurant.
Three Chinese nationals were arrested following a visit from Immigration Enforcement officers at the Tiger In in Cockenzie on Friday, May 23.
Two of the men were arrested on suspicion of illegal entry to the country while a third was arrested on suspicion of overstaying his visa. It is understood that all three of the men have since been bailed.
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A Home Office spokesperson said: "Illegal working will not be tolerated under this government. That's why we are clamping down on those who abuse our system and going after organised criminals who sell false promises to migrants about their ability to live and work in the UK.
"This visit is just one example of how we're holding rogue employers who undercut honest businesses accountable as part of the government's Plan for Change to restore fairness and integrity to our immigration system.
"The days of employers thinking they can hide from law enforcement and operate illegally under the radar are gone."
The Tiger In has since been issued a Civil Penalty Referral Notice, if they're found to be liable, they could also face a fine.
