A father and two sons who provided jobs for 180 illegal construction workers have been convicted following an investigation by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).
Baljit Rai, 55, and his two sons, Mandeep Rai, 32, and Daljit Pai, 34, from Littleover, Derby, were jailed for a total of 17-and-a-half years for supplying the illegal workers throughout the country.
Derby Crown Court heard that Mandeep was “the driving force behind the employment of most workers” and also created fake documents. He was jailed for seven and-a-half years, while Baljt and Daljit were both sentenced to five years.
CITB’s card fraud team supported the Home Office immigration enforcement and the police in the investigation.
Ian Sidney, CITB fraud investigator, said: “CITB takes illegal activity extremely seriously and it is critical that we continue to stamp out the fraudsters.
“I hope this conviction sends a strong message to anyone else that may be taking part in illegal activities, and highlights the seriousness of fraud in construction.
“We simply do not tolerate any fraudulent behaviour that puts people’s lives at risk or brings the industry into disrepute.”
The CITB urges anyone who suspects fraudulent activity in the construction industry to contact: [email protected].
