Full Breakdown
Evri Workers Detained as UK Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Employment
7/18/2026, 4:27:26 AM
Core Event
Immigration Enforcement officers arrested ten employees at three Evri delivery depots—Croydon, Crawley and Redditch—between July 8 and July 9. The detainees included three Brazilian nationals, three Pakistani nationals, an Indian national, a Gambian national and a Ghanaian national, all alleged to be working without the right to remain in the UK. Each individual has been placed on immigration bail pending removal proceedings.
Background & Context
The arrests are part of a broader government drive under Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to tighten immigration controls in the delivery sector. The Home Office reports that 2025 marked the highest year on record for illegal-working enforcement, with more than 9,000 arrests and 12,800 raids—a 60 percent and 58 percent rise respectively from the previous year. In 2025, Immigration Enforcement made 217 percent more arrests in distribution and delivery firms compared with 2024.
Data & Statistics
- Arrests at Evri: 10 workers (3 Brazilian, 3 Pakistani, 1 Indian, 1 Gambian, 1 Ghanaian).
- National enforcement: > 9,000 arrests, > 12,800 raids in 2025.
- Year-on-year increase: +60 % arrests, +58 % raids.
- Removal figures: ? 70,000 illegal migrants and foreign criminals deported since the election, a 41 % rise under the current government.
Official Statements & Responses
Eddy Montgomery, director of enforcement, compliance and crime at the Home Office, praised the operation and affirmed the agency’s commitment to partner with companies while warning that “we will never hesitate to take enforcement action to crack down on those who flout the law.” The Home Office also stated it will seek to remove the detained workers “as soon as possible.” The government’s forthcoming Immigration and Asylum Bill, moving through the Commons, aims to tighten eligibility checks for gig-economy and zero-hours workers, imposing fines up to £60,000 per illegal employee, director disqualifications and possible prison terms of up to five years.
What’s Next
From October, firms hiring gig-economy or zero-hours staff must verify each worker’s right to work in the UK. Failure to comply will trigger the aforementioned penalties. The Immigration and Asylum Bill continues its parliamentary passage, signaling further regulatory tightening for the delivery sector.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I want to thank my officers up and down the country who carry out these operations every day.” — Eddy Montgomery, Director of Enforcement, Compliance and Crime, Home Office
- “We are committed to working closely with companies to ensure they are compliant.” — Eddy Montgomery, Director of Enforcement, Compliance and Crime, Home Office
- “However, we will never hesitate to take enforcement action to crack down on those who flout the law.” — Eddy Montgomery, Director of Enforcement, Compliance and Crime, Home Office
- “The Home Office has confirmed it will now look to remove them from the UK "as soon as possible".” — Home Office statement
