IMMIGRATION officers raided a Wirral business yesterday and arrested three workers.

The UK Border Agency carried out the raid at Spice Net Cash and Carry, Prenton, as part of a nationwide crackdown on illegal immigrants.

The business, owned by former Liberal Democrat council candidate Mumin Khan, was issued with a civil penalty notice for employing the Bangladeshi men who had no right to work in the UK.

If Mr Khan is unable to prove they conducted the correct pre-employment checks on staff they may be liable for a fine of up to £10,000 per worker.

Eddy Montgomery, operations director of the UK Border Agency in the North West, said: “This is the latest in a series of operations we’ve carried out to tackle immigration crime in Merseyside, and more are planned.

“Illegal working has a serious impact on communities, taking jobs from those who are genuinely allowed to work.

"Businesses which operate outside the law should be warned that they will be found and they will be punished.”

Mr Khan has been reported as saying the arrested men did not work him, but had happened to be in the store at the time of the raid.

Employers unsure of the steps they need to take to avoid employing illegal workers can call the UK Border Agency’s Employers Helpline on 0300 123 4699.

Anyone who suspects illegal workers are being employed at a business can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously.