Three arrested in joint operation led by the Security Industry Authority
Brighton, 9 April 2025 – A surprise joint operation spearheaded by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) on Friday, 4 April has uncovered illegal security activity in Brighton’s night-time economy, leading to three arrests.
The unannounced inspections were carried out in collaboration with Home Office Immigration Enforcement (HOIE) and Sussex Police. The targeted venues were selected based on intelligence suggesting the use of counterfeit licences by security staff.
While no unlicensed operatives were found working during the inspections, the team uncovered evidence that unlicensed door supervisors had recently been employed at two of the venues.
One individual was arrested and bailed by HOIE for not having the legal right to work in the UK. The employer responsible may face a civil penalty of up to £60,000. A second door supervisor was detained for breaching visa conditions, and a third arrest followed a search of the individual’s residence, where another person was found working in breach of immigration rules.
Kirsty Grant, the SIA Criminal Investigations Officer who led the operation, emphasized the importance of proper licensing in the security industry:
“It’s crucial for public safety that door supervisors are properly trained and licensed. People who abuse the system are putting venue customers at risk, as well as facing serious consequences themselves, including arrest, imprisonment, or deportation,” said Grant.
“Security companies should take note: deploying unlicensed staff or failing to carry out basic checks on your employees can lead to severe penalties and criminal records.”
The SIA is the UK’s regulatory body for the private security industry, operating under the Private Security Industry Act 2001. It ensures that individuals undertaking designated security roles are properly licensed and oversees the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS).
Source: LIIE IMMIGRATION
