11 Arrested in Derby Operation Against Organised Immigration Crime

A dedicated operation to target organised immigration crime in Derby resulted in 11 arrests. Officers worked with partner agencies to tackle the issue of OIC in the city as part of Operation Lockstream on Wednesday 17 June and Thursday 18 June.

This was part of a nationwide operation in which forces from across the country targeted OIC groups suspected of exploiting victims through illegal working practices and other immigration-related crime within the service sector. The first day saw officers from multiple departments, including International Liaison Officers (ILO), Motorbike Unit, Drone Unit and the Force Proactive Team deployed to the city centre.

Officers stopped a number of e-bikes and other vehicles to check riders and drivers’ information. Seven vehicles were seized in total.

The second day of action saw officers visit 11 businesses in the city, including nail bars and mini-markets, in order to identify suspects believed to be involved in illegal working or having entered the UK illegally. This day of action was supported by officers from the Criminal Exploitation Team, Derby City Council’s Trading Standards team, the fire service, council housing and the National Minimum Wage team.

A total of 11 suspects were arrested, which included five for immigration offences, one for theft of motor vehicle, one for assault, one for breach of bail and one for recall to prison. Two men, aged 28 and 29, were also arrested in connection with 24 thefts.

Immigration officers, the Disruption Team from the East Midlands Special Operations unit (EMSOU) and officers from the Project Flex (Clear Hold Build) team also supported the operation. Sergeant Matthew Edwards, of Derbyshire Constabulary’s International Liaison Office, said: “By its nature OIC is a complex issue which requires a co-ordinated, strategic response utilising the specialist skills of multiple different departments and law enforcement agencies.

“We take the issue of OIC very seriously here in Derbyshire and operations such as this provide us with a good opportunity to highlight to the public the work that is going all year round in order to tackle immigration-related crime, modern slavery and exploitation. “The results from the two-day operation shows the benefits of having multiple agencies working together, both locally and nationally, and this co-ordinated response will continue as we endeavour to rid our communities of the human and societal problems that crimes of this nature cause.” The nationwide operation was delivered through the national OIC Domestic Taskforce, bringing together forces and partner agencies, such as the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), Home Office, Border Security Command and Immigration Enforcement, in an effort to keep our borders secure and ensure vulnerable people are protected from harm.

Nationwide, this resulted in 362 arrests - with 57 of those known to have entered the UK by small boat. Officers also seized over £1m in cash, over £700,000 worth of illegal tobacco, vapes and cigarettes, 92 cars and 31 e-bikes.

The operation saw involvement from 39 police forces, with activity based on Home Office and local force intelligence. Deputy Chief Constable Wendy Gunney, Organised Immigration Crime Domestic Taskforce lead for the NPCC, said: “Thanks to the collective power of police and Home Office organised immigration crime intelligence, we have been able to target businesses on our high streets involved in money laundering, drug trafficking and distribution, modern slavery and human trafficking.

“This multi-agency activity sends a clear message to organised crime gangs that law enforcement agencies are working together to tackle illegal trade within our communities, and to bring offenders to justice. “Over one week alone, collective efforts have led to more than 350 arrests, £1m in cash seized along with over £700,000 worth of illegal tobacco, vapes and cigarettes.

We are also in the process of considering civil penalties as we have targeted business owners, their business models and those connected with employing migrants through illegal working. “We will not tolerate exploitation within the UK, and we are determined to target the business owners who openly encourage this.

“Organised immigration crime is often hidden in plain sight, and we are urging the public to report anything that doesn’t feel right in businesses on their streets, or if they are concerned about someone’s welfare. “Reporting can help protect people and catch those responsible by supporting police to gather intelligence that builds a picture of what is happening in our communities.

“We take all information from the public seriously and will act upon it. You can raise concerns by contacting your local police force online or by calling 101, or report via the Home Office endorsed charity Stop the Traffick.” Alex Norris, Minister for Border Security and Asylum, said: “These results are yet another example of targeted collaboration between the police, Immigration Enforcement, and other partners, to crack down on organised immigration crime.

“We are using every lever we have to loosen the grip of criminal gangs on our high streets. “This specific action comes alongside illegal working visits and arrests being at their highest level in British history, and our action to return nearly 70,000 people with no right to be here since coming into power.” For more information about how to spot the signs of modern slavery and human trafficking please visit How you can spot modern slavery and human trafficking | Derbyshire Constabulary Share