Police and immigration officials have arrested several individuals following targeted visits to two nail salons in Runcorn.
Under Operation Lockstream, Foreign National Offender officers teamed up with Home Office Immigration to inspect businesses in the Church Street area on Friday, June 19. During this initial visit, they arrested three Vietnamese men. Two of the men, aged 22 and 46, were found to have entered the UK illegally. The third, aged 31, had overstayed a seasonal worker visa issued in 2022. All three were granted bail under strict conditions not to return to work.
However, when officers conducted a follow-up check at the same premises on Saturday, July 4, they found the 31-year-old and 46-year-old had returned to work. Both were promptly re-arrested on suspicion of breaching their bail conditions. During the second raid, officers also located and arrested a 22-year-old Vietnamese woman who had entered the UK illegally and had no legal right to work.
Chief Inspector Joe McNally of the Runcorn Local Policing Unit emphasized the force’s dedication to protecting vulnerable people from being criminally exploited by organized networks operating on local high streets.
“We know that many extremely vulnerable people come to the UK in the pursuit of a better life, however, we have seen in several instances in Cheshire alone that these people are instead being criminally exploited,” McNally stated.
He added that the operation demonstrates a relentless approach to tackling the issue alongside partner agencies, ensuring victims get the support they need while sending a clear warning to perpetrators that they will be found and brought to justice.
