Four men were arrested during raids by immigration officials in Littleport and Soham last Thursday.

Officers from the UK Border Agency carried out raids on the Good Luck takeaway, in Brook Dam Lane, Soham, and Wok This Way, in High Street, Littleport, on Thursday evening.

A 32-year-old Malaysian man, found hiding on the premises at Good Luck, was discovered to have overstayed his visa. He was arrested and is now in detention pending his removal from the UK.

At Wok This Way, three Chinese men, aged 25, 29 and 45, were found to have no right to be in the country. All three were arrested and are now in detention pending their removal from the UK.

The owners of Wok This Way have been served with a civil penalty notice for employing the illegal workers.

This means they are liable for a fine of up to £10,000 per employee unless evidence is provided that legally required pre-employment checks were carried out. This is a potential fine of £30,000.

A civil penalty notice was not served on the owners of Good Luck as there was insufficient evidence to prove the arrested man was working at the premises.

Immigration Minister Mark Harper said: “Illegal working encourages illegal immigration, undercuts legitimate businesses and is often associated with exploitation.

“The existing illegal working regime isn’t simple enough; the penalties have remained the same since 2008 and don’t provide a sufficient deterrent; it is also too easy for companies to evade paying them.

“New legislation will increase the penalties for rogue businesses, make it easier to enforce payment, while also making it easier for legitimate businesses to verify individuals’ right to work.”

Anyone who suspects that illegal workers are being employed at a business or someone is living in the UK illegally can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.