A UK Border Force official has been arrested on suspicion of being an illegal migrant.
The man was detained while working for the Home Office agency responsible for protecting UK borders and his bosses are understood to have responded quickly as soon as doubts were raised about his immigration status, The Sun newspaper reported.
The man is understood to be in his late 30s and arrived in the UK from the Balkans around twenty years ago. The incident comes as Border Force staff are taking part in industrial action, with ongoing strikes at six airports.
The official allegedly lied about where he was from on paperwork to obtain the right to remain in the UK, and the same man is believed to be among four Border Force staff who were arrested over a separate incident on December 6.
The group were arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and conspiracy to steal.
Three of the staff members were arrested at the Western Jet Foil immigration centre in Dover, Kent, while a fourth was detained elsewhere.
'Rigorous' investigation
Officers from the Home Office Anti-Corruption Unit carried out the arrests and seized electronic devices, as well as searching the staff members’ homes.
A Home Office spokesman said: “On December 6, the Home Office Anti-Corruption Unit arrested four members of immigration staff on suspicion of misconduct in public office and conspiracy to steal.
“They have been released pending further investigation and were immediately suspended.
“One officer arrested as part of the conspiracy had previously been arrested and bailed on immigration offences.
“We expect the highest standards of our staff.
“As soon as we are made aware of allegations of wrongdoing, they are rigorously investigated and we do not hesitate in taking decisive action.”
