Six illegal workers have been arrested following raids on three businesses in Streatham.

Acting on intelligence, officers visited Chinese Chef and Rose Palace, on Streatham High Road, and Hungs on Sunnyhill Road, on Wednesday, June 26.

Individuals were questioned to check if they had the right to be in the UK.

At Hungs, which was visited at 5.40pm, they arrested a Chinese woman, aged 23, and a 30-year-old Malaysian woman who had overstayed their visas and a 28-year-old Chinese woman who was a failed asylum seeker.

Later that evening, officers went to Chinese Chef.

There they arrested three Chinese men.

A 30-year-old was found to have overstayed his visa while the other two, aged 39 and 40, were failed asylum seekers.

At Rose Palace, a 25-year-old Pakistani man who was found to be a failed asylum seeker was also arrested.

Four of those arrested were transferred to immigration detention pending removal from the UK while the Pakistani man and 28-year-old Chinese woman were placed on immigration bail while work continues on their cases.

If found to have no right to be in the UK they also face being removed.

The businesses were served notices warning that a civil penalty of up to £10,000 per illegal worker will be imposed unless proof is provided that the correct right-to-work checks were carried out.

This is a potential fine of up to £20,000 for Hungs, £30,000 for Chinese Chef and £10,000 for Rose Palace.

Jill Smith, head of the Home Office Immigration Enforcement team in South London, said: “This is the latest in a series of operations we have carried out in South London targeting illegal immigration and illegal working and I hope it sends out a strong message, both to those who are here illegally and those who would employ them.

“While we are happy to work with businesses to let them know what checks need to be made on staff, those who do break the law will face the consequences.

“I would urge members of the public with information about suspected immigration abuse to get in touch.”

Immigration offenders who want to leave the UK voluntarily, without fear of arrest or detention can call Kausar Bibi on 07795 953631 or email Kausar.BibiHussain@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk.

Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to avoid employing illegal workers can visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/business-sponsors/preventing-illegal-working/ or they can call the Employers Helpline on 0300 123 4699.

For more information and contact details for Home Office Immigration Enforcement teams in London and South visit: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/aboutus/your-region/lse-ice/.

Anyone with information about suspected immigration abuse can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.