Ten Evri workers have been arrested in a nationwide immigration crackdown targeting suspected illegal employment in Britain’s delivery industry, as companies face warnings of major financial penalties for failing to carry out checks.
The Home Office has launched a series of enforcement operations against illegal working in the delivery sector, resulting in the arrests of ten Evri workers across London and the Midlands.
Six people were detained during a raid at an Evri site in Croydon, south London, on July 9. Those arrested included three Brazilian nationals, two Pakistani nationals and one Indian national, who were detained over alleged immigration offences.
Further operations followed in Redditch, Worcestershire, where a Pakistani national was arrested for overstaying a visa, and in Crawley, West Sussex, where three more people — from Gambia, Ghana and Pakistan — were detained.
The Home Office said all ten individuals have been placed on immigration bail while investigations continue, with removal from the UK being considered where appropriate.
The crackdown comes as ministers increase pressure on businesses to strengthen checks on workers’ legal status.
Employers found to have hired illegal workers without completing the required right-to-work checks can face fines of up to £60,000 per worker.
The delivery sector has faced increased scrutiny over the use of subcontractors and complex recruitment chains, which officials say can make enforcement more difficult.
Companies often rely on third-party contractors to provide drivers and warehouse staff, creating questions over responsibility for employment checks.
Home Office enforcement director Eddy Montgomery said officials would continue working with businesses but warned action would be taken against companies that break immigration rules.
“We will never hesitate to take enforcement action to crack down on those who flout the law,” he said.
Evri said it takes its employment responsibilities seriously and carries out right-to-work checks for all employees.
The company added that it would continue cooperating with the Home Office during its enquiries.
The arrests represent part of a wider government effort to target illegal employment, with businesses across sectors facing renewed scrutiny over compliance failures.
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