The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has carried out a nationwide operation in conjunction with HMRC and Home Office Immigration Enforcement to tackle labour exploitation.
On Wednesday 18th September 2024, Compliance and Criminal Investigation Officers from the SIA led an enforcement and intelligence-gathering operation at 35 separate locations across the UK. The SIA mounted the operation to address concerns regarding tax evasion, fraudulent employment status, breaches of National Minimum Wage legislation, immigration offences, and breaches of the Private Security Industry Act 2001 within the private security industry.
Paul Fullwood, the SIA’s Director of Inspections and Enforcement, said: “This action involved all of our regional teams in a dynamic and co-ordinated effort to disrupt and dissuade those who direct or facilitate labour exploitation. We are taking the fight to the criminals and thereby supporting legitimate private security business and protecting the public. We would like to thank HMRC and Home Office Immigration Enforcement for their support in this important work.”
The operation was one of a number of enforcement actions which the SIA has planned across the country under Operation Empower, which is intended to tackle the problems associated with labour exploitation.
Ronnie Megaughin, the SIA’s Head of Compliance and Inspections, said: “For every corrupt and criminal action carried out to maximise profit, there is the strong likelihood of a victim who is being deprived of their rights. We will continue to work with industry representatives, law enforcement partners, and fellow regulatory agencies to create a hostile environment within the private security industry for these criminals. Operation Empower will be a long-running and focused operation. I encourage anyone with information concerning unlawful activity within the industry to contact us”.
