AN INDIAN restaurant is yet to pay a £25,000 fine for employing illegal staff.

The Red Fox in Tarporley was hit with the penalty following a raid at the premises in July last year when five illegal male workers of Bangladeshi origin were discovered.

However, the UK Border Agency has revealed that the fine is still outstanding.

This comes after we reported last week that the restaurant had been raided for the second time in less than a year, with four Bangladeshi men being caught.

A UK Border Agency spokesperson said: “Following our visit to the Red Fox Indian restaurant in Tarporley in 2010, the owner received a final penalty notice of £25,000 for the illegal workers found. This fine remains unpaid.

“If a penalty is unpaid after the 28 days payment period debt recovery action commences.

“Unpaid penalties may be referred to a specialist third party debt recovery agency that will actively pursue the debt from employers of illegal workers.”

The spokesperson confirmed that they are still pursuing the debt, and that an outside agency has not been called in at this stage.

The latest raid at The Red Fox saw four illegal workers, aged between 21 and 36, arrested and detained. Steps are now being taken for them to be deported.

Owner Kismet Miah told the Chronicle it was a ‘shock’ when officers raided his premises as he thought they were legal workers.

He claims the men had valid student visas and passports, which he photocopied.

B Businesses unsure of the steps they need to take to avoid employing illegal workers should call the UK Border Agency helpline on 0300 123 4699.

Anyone who suspects illegal workers are being employed at a business can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.