Five immigration offenders have been removed from the UK after they were caught by our officers in raids on South Wales businesses.

On 17 May, an operation targeting illegal working was carried out at Chun Ho, Fforchaman Road, Cwmaman, Aberdare, and a man and a woman from China were arrested.

The 38-year-old man had stayed in the UK illegally after his asylum claim was rejected, while the 21-year-old woman had over-stayed her visa.

They were taken to immigration detention before the woman was removed from the UK on 25 May and the man on 8 June.

Also on 17 May, Jen Chang, Lower High Street, Merthyr, was raided and a Malaysian woman was arrested.

Checks revealed that the 36-year-old, who was working in the takeaway's kitchen, had over-stayed her visa.

She was detained and removed to her home country on 25 May.

Two immigration offenders caught in a raid on Lilo Grill House and Juice Bar, City Road, Cardiff, on 11 May have also been removed from the UK.

A 19-year-old failed asylum seeker who attempted to flee across a flat roof when officers entered the business was removed to his home country of Afghanistan on 11 June.

A 20-year-old, who was also found to be a failed asylum seeker, was also removed to Afghanistan on 6 June.

Richard Johnson, UK Border Agency said:

'Our message to people who are in the UK illegally is that they must leave. As these cases make clear, if they refuse to do so we will enforce their removal.

'We are determined to crack down on offenders and are sending a simple, clear message to people who are here illegally - more raids are planned and you will be caught.'

Anyone with information about suspected immigration abuse can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously or complete the Report immigration crime form.