HALF the workers at one of Manchester's most popular curry houses were arrested after a swoop by immigration officials.
One of Manchester's most popular curry houses was raided by immigration officials as kitchen staff prepared ingredients for the evening meals.
A total of 21 arrests - more than half the workforce - were made when officers swooped at Akbar's, on Liverpool Road.
They found a number of Afghan, Pakistani, Iranian and Iraqi nationals thought to be working there illegally.
Those arrested were taken into custody at holding cells across Greater Manchester. A notice of potential liability has been served on the restaurant, which could be hit with a £210,000 fine - £10,000 for each worker - if found guilty of breaching immigration laws.
The vast majority of those held were kitchen staff. Shortly before 4.30pm a team of 26 officers, dressed in navy and wearing body armour, raided the restaurant.
They marched down from the Deansgate end of Liverpool Road before entering through the front door after the officer in charge had paved the way.
Four members of staff desperately tried to flee through a back entrance as word of the raid filtered through to the kitchen. They were quickly rounded up by officials waiting by exits.
The quartet were brought into the restaurant and questioned with other staff before 21 were taken away. One member of staff was escorted to a van still wearing his chef's hat.
Officials acting on intelligence had believed there were around ten people thought to be working illegally at the premises.
Those held will be questioned further and some may be deported within 24 hours. A number of offences including outstaying visas and working hours in access of those allowed are thought to have been committed.
Interpreters and officials from the Department for Work and Pensions were also present.
Akbar's is known to many throughout the region. Last December it scooped first prize in the 2007 British Curry Awards - known as the industry's "Oscars".
It claims to have the service of a Michelin-starred restaurant and boasts sleek premises with leather furniture and deep purple walls.
Around 40 staff were in the restaurant when officials struck. Diners who arrived for their meals during the operation were turned away at the doors.
The officer in charge of the operation, who did not wish to be named, said: "Some of the workers hastily tried to escape through the back door but we were waiting for them.
"It's important that businesses apply by immigration laws. We had intelligence that suggested that this wasn't happening here and that is why we are here." The raid was carried out simultaneously with another Akbar's restaurant on Eastgate in Leeds.
There four Pakistani nationals were arrested. Nobody from Akbar's was available for comment.
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Voice of Sanity (15/12/2008 at 06:33)
I would also suggest a closure of the businesses involved.
gladys rowbotham, Manchester (15/12/2008 at 07:13)
dessie, manchester (15/12/2008 at 08:57)
keep up the good work!!!
David of Ashton, Ashton (15/12/2008 at 09:15)
castlefieldres, manchester (15/12/2008 at 10:24)
Wondered why it was so cheap?!
Brilliant curries though, if it goes I'll pine for the Lamb Handhi.
Edina Clouds, GREAT Manchester (15/12/2008 at 10:24)
Most are released and told to report to the police at a later date and are never seen again!
Jack Thorley Trafford, Timperley (15/12/2008 at 10:59)
Ace Shakespeare , manchester (15/12/2008 at 11:06)
I couldnt agree with you morethe country is a havenfor illegal work and activaties,our doors are open to anybody who wants to scam the tapayers and the system we have all worked hard for..its time to close the door and throw all out who should not be here and take all the companies and money back that these businesses and people have stolen from the tapayers of britain.
Bean B4, manchester (15/12/2008 at 11:13)
flo, Manchester (15/12/2008 at 11:57)
Barney Gumball (15/12/2008 at 12:28)
Peter Copping (15/12/2008 at 12:43)
That is was tip off raises an important issue about the risk of blackmailing employers.
Employers are now up for it, and one lawyer suggested that they need to see EVERYBODY applicants passport (including Brits) at the interview.
Its worth remembering that several groups have the right to work here. Student Visa holders may work for up to 20hrs per week (in total) and about 40 countries are covered by the holiday visa scheme for young people permitting limited work.
But there is a new one where Japanese (and Australians and Canadians) who are 18-30 can come and work for two years, providing they have £1600 in their pockets and the appropriate visa.....
So more sushi and less curry perhaps
edinburgh red, edinburgh (15/12/2008 at 13:08)
AlexisV (15/12/2008 at 13:13)
Akbar's is the best Indian I've ever been too. I'd be gutted if it closed.
Guv, Manchester (15/12/2008 at 13:22)
Should be shut down to serve as reminder to other establishments employing illegals
Strike the directors of the company off at Company's house too.
The service is lousy but the food is good, however, there are plenty of British Nationals who are in need of a job before we import those from outside.
ex-akbars fan, manchester (15/12/2008 at 13:28)
Mad Welsh Scotsman, Cadishead (15/12/2008 at 13:44)
I'll believe that when I see it, After the human rights lawyers have had their cut from the legal aid system
umpire 2, Salford M7 4HT (15/12/2008 at 14:33)
The security trade have to take them on as they will work for nothing basically and do the mundane jobs, but, I got 5 guys whom attended the interviews session last week, almost had all the same name, maybe a second name initial, same date of birth and NO CRB check as their original country does not do legal or criminal checks so they are guaranteed their licences,
roisin gregory (15/12/2008 at 14:47)
I do see that is wrong but the fact is there are people in this country who go round doing alot worse however the police call up some guys who are working hard and producing quality food!!
thaitanium (15/12/2008 at 15:00)
Felix, manchester uk (15/12/2008 at 15:11)
Black Flag (15/12/2008 at 15:14)
Cappa (15/12/2008 at 15:30)
thaitanium (15/12/2008 at 15:36)
Allow me to tell you for a start they don't pay tax or NI contributions how can thet as they are here ilegally so access the overstretched NHS is OK for them as why bother paying for it. At the risk of sounding racist how about TB eradicated in the UK now on the increase because of no medical checks on these people who arrive ilegally, great! The list goes on but according to your philosophy we should do away with border controls and let anyone in, in that case good luck as I think you will need it.
Mad Angela, St George's. Hulme , (15/12/2008 at 15:37)