London, July 2 (IANS) A firm involved in making Olympic torches has been suspected of employing illegal Indian immigrants right under the noses of Games security staff in Britain.
Crown Polishing and Plating faces prosecution and a fine of 50,000 pounds (over $78,000) after policemen and border officers held nine men from India during a raid, The Sun reported Monday.
According to a source at the firm, security staff supplied by Olympics organisers had been stationed there.
“They count workers in and out, check how many torches are being worked on and they’re all accounted for,” said the source. “What they didn’t realise was there were illegal immigrants right under their noses.”
After the UK Border Agency officials turned suspicious, the factory, located in Wolverhampton city, was raided in February. The arrested men are aged between 20 and 58.
Crown gold-plates the torches after they are made by Premier Sheet Metal in Coventry city.
A London 2012 spokesman said: “The company was not directly contracted and the issue has been dealt with by the UK Border Agency.”
The 2012 London Olympics are scheduled to be held between July 27 and Aug 12.
