TWO Chinese nationals have been taken into custody after a swoop on a Deeside restaurant.

Immigration officers raided Honour House, on Station Road, Queensferry.

A 35-year-old male chef and a 22-year-old waitress were found to be working there illegally.

Both offenders were arrested and taken to St Asaph police station for further questioning.

The man remains in detention and the woman has been placed on immigration bail while outstanding immigration claims are considered.

If they are found to have no right to remain in the UK they will be deported.

David Griffiths, who heads the UK Border Agency’s local immigration team for North Wales, said: “Our officers are carrying out regular raids targeting immigration offenders across North Wales and more are planned.

“We will not tolerate illegal working which undercuts wages and exploits vulnerable workers.

“We also want to send out a strong message to employers.

“It is the legal responsibility of all businesses to check their staff have the right to work in the UK.

“Anyone who fails to make these checks could get hit with a big fine.”

Honour House could now face a civil penalty of up to £20,000 for employing illegal staff – up to £10,000 for each worker.

To avoid a fine, the employer must provide evidence that the correct right-to-work checks were made before the offenders were taken on.