The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has launched a series of co-ordinated, surprise operations across England to tackle suspected licence fraud, labour exploitation and immigration offences. The operations took place on 31 October, in partnership with Home Office Immigration Enforcement. The action was aimed at disrupting potential organised criminal activity linked to security company staff working at construction sites
Two people were arrested for overstaying their visas during the joint investigation in Yeovil and Ilkeston and another was cautioned under section 22 of the Private Security Industry Act (PSIA). The work was part of wider enforcement activity the SIA is conducting as part of Operation Empower to tackle labour exploitation within the private security industry.
Pete Easterbrook, Head of Criminal Enforcement at the SIA, said: “This operation was a result of intelligence originating from within the private security industry which was developed and analysed by our Intelligence team and involved collaboration by our Criminal Enforcement and Compliance and Inspections teams. Investigators from the SIA and Home Office Immigration worked together to plan and execute intelligence-led enforcement action up and down the country, from East Sussex to Lancashire.
“Thanks to these combined efforts we have struck a significant blow against those seeking to use the private security industry as a vehicle for criminality including the exploitation of vulnerable people.
“Operations like this are vital in our mission to protect the public by ensuring that those who seek to seriously undermine the regulatory regime are brought to justice. Our message is clear. There is no place for criminality within the UK private security industry and we will take action to disrupt criminal operations and bring offenders to justice. We are resolute in our efforts to safeguard both the public and legitimate security operatives from these illegal practices. Where we get credible intelligence of illegal activity, we have the will and capability to act decisively and take robust action.”
Eddy Montgomery, director of enforcement, compliance and crime at the Home Office, said: “Exploitation of illegal workers within the UK construction industry is on the rise, with rogue employers showing complete disregard to the safety and rights of legal foreign workers who contribute significantly to this sector.
“Our Immigration Enforcement officers are working closely with other government agencies to intensify efforts to tackle illegal working in construction as part of a broad series of operations across multiple sectors. “I would like to thank the Security Industry Authority for their effective collaboration in cracking down on fraudulent employers who are violating laws, impacting public finances, and exploiting vulnerable people for financial gain.”
