Five men caught working illegally in Medway have been arrested by immigration officers.

The five, who are originally from Albania, were arrested when immigration officers raided a business in Chatham Docks, in Gillingham.

The enforcement officers, supported by Kent Police, visited Nezaj Services Ltd yesterday and questioned workers about their immigration status.

The five, aged between 20 and 43, were arrested after they were found to be working illegally.

Four of them were found to be in the country illegally and one had over stayed his visa.

They have been detained pending their removal from the country.

The company was also served with a notice warning bosses that a financial penalty of up to £20,000 per illegal worker will be imposed unless proof is provided that the right work checks were carried out, such as seeing a passport or a Home Office document.

If the company is found to not have carried out such checks, they could face a penalty of up to £100,000.

Richard Lederie, from the Home Office, said: “These arrests send a clear message to those who believe they can abuse the UK’s immigration laws. We will find you, and you will face arrest and removal from the country.

“Employers should also be aware that they have a duty to check that their staff have permission to work in the UK.

“We are happy to work with businesses who play by the rules, but those who do not can expect enforcement visits and financial penalties.”

If you suspect a business is employing illegal workers, visit www.gov.uk/report-immigration-crime or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.