AN IMMIGRATION offender has been arrested on suspicion of working illegally at a nail bar in Exmouth following a raid by the UK Border Agency.

The enforcement operation was carried out as part of an ongoing nationwide campaign to tackle immigration crime.

Acting on intelligence received, officers from the agency targeted USA Nails in Exeter Road last Friday, November 19.

A 33-year-old was arrested and taken to Heavitree Road police station before later being released on immigration bail.

She must report weekly to a local police station while an investigation into her case is being carried out.

Officers then went to a Shell garage, at Junction 27 of the M5 near Tiverton.

There, a 34-year-old Malaysian man and 33-year-old Indian man, were both found.

The pair were taken to Heavitree Road police station and remain in detention on suspicion of working in the shop having overstayed their visas.

Both businesses are being served with a civil penalty notice for allegedly employing illegal workers.

If the employers are unable to provide evidence that legally-required checks were carried out before giving the offenders jobs, a fine of up to �10,000 will be imposed for each illegal worker.

Immigration Minister Damian Green said illegal immigration placed a huge pressure on the public purse at a time when the country could least afford it.

He added: “These operations are among many being carried out across the country following the success of a major crackdown on immigration crime during the summer, which generated a large number of arrests, cash seizures and prosecutions as well as fresh intelligence.

“Together with the police and the Serious Organised Crime Agency we will continue to make life as difficult as possible for those who cheat the immigration system.”

Since July, more than 400 operations have taken place across the country resulting in over 800 arrests and over �500,000 cash seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).

Many of these investigations are ongoing.