In a series of raids, the UK’s immigration authorities have detained eleven men and one woman, all of whom are believed to be Indian nationals, on suspicion of violating the terms of their visas and working illegally at a bedding and cake factory.

In response to information that illicit work was being done on the premises, Immigration Enforcement officers stormed the bedding and mattress company in the West Midlands area of England, according to a statement released by the UK Home Office on Wednesday.

Eight of the offenders have been granted bail with the requirement that they report to the Home Office on a regular basis. Four of the offenders, according to the officials, are being held while their case is being considered for removal from the UK or deportation to India.

In the meantime, if it turns out that the two companies hired unauthorized workers at their factories and neglected to carry out the necessary pre-employment screenings, they could now be subject to sizable fines.

Michael Tomlinson, the UK Minister for Countering Illegal Migration, stated, “This operation is a clear example of the way we are stepping up immigration enforcement activity across the country.”

“We will not hesitate to act and remove workers who are found to have no right to live or work here,” the speaker declared. “Employers found to be breaching the rules can expect significantly increased fines.”

The Home Office increased fines for companies that hire illegal immigrants by three times in February of this year. The fines have increased from GBP 20,000 to GBP 60,000 for repeat violations within three years, and the first violation now carries a penalty of GBP 15,000 to GBP 45,000 per illegal worker.

“Working illegally defrauds the public coffers, endangers vulnerable individuals, and seriously damages communities. The detentions make it abundantly evident that we are stopping this risky behavior, “stated Eddy Montgomery, Director of Enforcement, Compliance and Crime at the Home Office.