TWO men have been arrested following a UK Border Agency raid at a restaurant in Beaconsfield.

Acting on intelligence, officers went to The Old Bengal Restaurant, Wycombe End at about 1.35pm on Tuesday to carry out checks on staff and ensure they had the right to work in the UK.

Two Bangladeshi men who worked at the Indian restaurant were arrested.

A 48-year-old had overstayed his visa while a 39-year-old had overstayed his leave to remain in the UK, the Border Agency said this week. Both are in Immigration detention while the agency takes steps to remove them from the country at the earliest opportunity.

Three other Bangladeshi males aged 31, 34 and 39 were found working at the restaurant in breach of their immigration bail, officers said.

They added that a fake Bangladeshi passport with counterfeit Home Office stamps in the arrested 48-year-old's name was found where he lived above the restaurant.

An address in Wattleton Road, Beaconsfield, where the arrested 39-year-old male claimed to live was also searched. This was a garage attached to the property which had been converted into accommodation for up to six people. The restaurant owner said it was housing for staff and not his residential address.

The restaurant owner was given a penalty notice warning he could face a fine of up to £50,000 as there is a potential fine of £10,000 for each illegal worker found, unless he can prove to the UK Border Agency that the correct right-to-work checks were carried out.

A worker at the restaurant, who did not wish to be named, said checks had been made on the staff. He added the restaurant had believed the workers were legally employable.

Manager Mr Akther said their solicitors are dealing with the matter. He added the staff were supplied on a temporary basis to cover holiday leave.

Rob Scott, head of the UK Border Agency’s Buckinghamshire local immigration team, said: “Where we find people who are in the UK illegally we will seek to remove them.

“But we are also looking to take action against those who employ illegal workers.

“We’re happy to work with businesses to let them know what checks need to be done on staff, but those who choose to break the law should know that we are out there looking for them and they will face heavy fines.”

Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to avoid employing illegal workers can click on the link below or call the UK Border Agency’s Employers Helpline on 0300 123 4699.

Anyone who suspects that illegal workers are being employed at a business can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously or click the link below.

For more information and contact details for the Buckinghamshire Local Immigration Team click the link below.