07/01/2013

Joint Operation Removes 175 Foreign Offenders

Over 175 of London's most prolific foreign national offenders have been removed from the UK as a result of a joint operation by the UK Border Agency and the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).

Operation Nexus was launched at the start of September to target the increasing number of high-harm foreign national and immigration offenders in London.

Immigration Minister Mark Harper said: "I've been clear that we will take all possible action against individuals who pose a risk to the public and remove them from the country at the earliest opportunity.

"Through our combined work with the police we are using the full force of immigration powers on those who seek to commit crime and damage our communities.

"The success of this operation proves that foreign nationals who continue to offend in this country will be arrested and removed from the UK."

Many of the operation's successes have come as a result of posting officers in 21 custody suites across London. This now allows them to run real-time immigration checks on individuals bought into custody for a crime and establish if they are wanted abroad, have previous convictions abroad or are here illegally.

(GK)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

15 May 2013
65th Person Arrested In Operation Elveden
Met detectives investigating suspected corruption have arrested a former immigration centre employee. Officers from Operation Elveden arrested the 40-year-old man at his home in Slough, Berkshire, around 06:00 this morning (Wednesday). According to the BBC he is being held on suspicion of corruption and misconduct in public office.
12 October 2010
Children Safeguarded In Major Operation
Twenty eight children have been safeguarded as part of a major operation carried out by the Metropolitan Police in east London this morning. The operation involved potential victims of a Romanian-based Roma gang of child traffickers.
09 February 2012
Eight Gang Members Deported As Met Operation Bites
An innovative operation that seeks to forcibly expel dangerous foreign nationals from the UK has led to eight major gang members being deported back to their countries of origin since its launch.
26 January 2007
Government announces tougher border controls
The government has announced plans to introduce tougher powers for immigration officers with the publication of the new UK Borders Bill. The Bill will give the new Border and Immigration Agency a wide range of new powers to deter, detect and deport those breaking the rules.
03 June 2013
Cardiff Clamp-Down On 'Illegal' Workers
Three people have been arrested during a clampdown on illegal workers in Cardiff. Immigration Minister Mark Harper was present at a series of enforcement raids in Cardiff to witness first hand the work being done to apprehend those working and living in the UK illegally.