Seven Arrested in West Yorkshire Immigration Crime Crackdown

Friday, 3 July 2026 10:59

Seven people have been arrested during a week-long operation targeting organised immigration crime across West Yorkshire.

Seven people have been arrested and thousands of pounds worth of illegal goods seized during a week-long operation targeting organised immigration crime across West Yorkshire.

The enforcement campaign, which ran from 15 to 20 June, focused on cash-intensive businesses including car washes, restaurants and convenience stores. Officers and partner agencies visited 31 locations across the county as part of the national Operation Lockstream initiative.

Teams from West Yorkshire Police, the Home Office, Trading Standards and other partners uncovered people living in unsuitable accommodation, working on expired visas and being paid below the national minimum wage.

During the operation, officers seized around £68,000 worth of illicit cigarettes, 2kg of cannabis with an estimated street value of £7,000, and three vehicles.

Police say organised immigration crime is often linked to the exploitation of vulnerable people through illegal working and poor living conditions. More than 50 referrals have been made to the National Command and Control Unit for Immigration, while businesses across West Yorkshire have received £300,000 in fines for immigration-related offences.

Detective Inspector Victoria Daniel-Thomas said the operation demonstrates the ongoing commitment to disrupting organised crime groups and protecting vulnerable people across the region.

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