Illegal worker arrested at York Turkish restaurant during raid

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 13:24 · Archive

An illegal worker was arrested during an immigration raid at a York Turkish restaurant after claiming he had come in for tea.

An illegal worker was arrested during an immigration raid at Yakamoz restaurant on Goodramgate in York on 25 September 2025. Immigration Compliance and Enforcement officers found him wearing a chef's uniform and hair net preparing food in the kitchen. When interviewed with an interpreter, he claimed he had visited only to see another worker and have a cup of tea.

Officers found a key to the back door in his wallet and a photograph on his phone showing him in the same chef's uniform preparing food. He admitted he regularly visited to help with washing dishes and sometimes received food in exchange. His employer had not conducted any pre-employment checks.

Home Office checks established he had entered the UK illegally in December 2023 and his claim for protection was refused in February 2025. The restaurant was issued a £45,000 penalty following the raid, which remains unpaid. The restaurant's operator, Yakamoz York Ltd, went into liquidation in July owing £60,911 including the fine. The Home Office has called on City of York Council to revoke the restaurant's licence, with a hearing scheduled for 16 October.

How it is being reported

• Illegal worker arrested after claiming he came to York restaurant for 'cup of tea'An illegal worker at a York Turkish restaurant claimed he came in for a cup of tea before his arrest, according to the Home Office.The Press (York) · 9 Oct, 12:41
• Illegal worker arrested after claiming he came to York restaurant for 'cup of tea'An illegal worker at a York Turkish restaurant claimed he came in for a cup of tea before his arrest, according to the Home Office.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 9 Oct, 12:41

In this story: Yakamoz · York · Immigration Compliance and Enforcement · City of York Council · Home Office · Goodramgate

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