Erith security firm suspected illegal workers detained in Thamesmead and Greenhithe (From This Is Local London)

Erith security firm suspected illegal workers detained in Thamesmead and Greenhithe

11:02am Tuesday 23rd October 2012 in News By Alan Woods

FIVE suspected illegal workers have been arrested as part of an investigation into an Erith security firm.

Four men and one woman who work at Blue Feathers Guarding Ltd, in Veridion Way, were detained following raids by the UK Border Agency on Thursday (October 18).

They were arrested from addresses in Floathaven Way, Thamesmead and Sandpiper Close, Greenhithe.

The five detained included Nigerian men aged 44, 49 and 52 and a Zimbabwean woman and man aged 32 and 34.

All were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to facilitate apart from the 52-year-old who was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit fraud and illegal immigration.

Four of them were also arrested for Security Industry Authority (SIA) offences as they were suspected of engaging in licensable conduct without holding an SIA licence.

The fourth person is suspected of employing unlicensed guards.

All have been bailed to return for various dates between November 20 and December 4.

Rachel Bennett, from the UK Border Agency, whose team led the operation, said: “This was a successful operation.

“With the help of partners like the SIA we are determined to do whatever is necessary to investigate alleged abuses of our immigration system.”