AN Ammanford car wash owner has been fined £40,000 for employing two illegal workers, it has been revealed.
Aurel Matmuja, the proprietor of Aurel’s Car Wash on Pen Y Banc Road, was issued a civil penalty on 11 December 2023 after it was discovered that he had employed one Romanian and one Portuguese national, both of whom did not have the legal right to work in the UK.
Despite being given the opportunity to appeal, Mr Matmuja has not contested the penalty, which remains unpaid. The Home Office has now referred the outstanding debt to specialist debt recovery contractors, who will enforce the penalty.
A spokesperson for the Home Office commented on the situation, stating: “A civil penalty of £40,000 was issued to Aurel Matmuja for the employment of two individuals without the right to work in the UK. Officials encountered one Romanian and one Portuguese national. The employer has not objected or appealed against the civil penalty, and the penalty remains unpaid. The outstanding debt has now been passed to our specialist debt recovery contractors for enforcement action.”
This case is part of a wider government crackdown on illegal employment, following the recent update of a list of illegal working civil penalties in Wales and the South West of England, which was published on 31 August.
Elsewhere in Wales, other car wash businesses have also faced fines for similar offences. Amir Hussain, the owner of S.A. Sol Hand Car Wash in Swansea, was fined £30,000 for employing illegal workers, while Machynlleth Car Wash Ltd in Powys received a £20,000 penalty. In Bridgend, Istanbul Barber, operated by Ttika Limited, was also fined £20,000.
In Cardiff, several businesses were also penalised, including EDA UK General Electricity Limited, Leya’s Healthcare Services (PVT) Ltd, and Prime Options Partners Limited, each receiving a fine of £15,000.
According to the Home Office, employers can face severe consequences if found guilty of knowingly hiring workers who do not have the right to work in the UK. This can include up to five years in prison and an unlimited fine.
Penalties can also be issued if businesses fail to conduct proper checks on employees, such as ensuring valid work visas or residency permits. Employers can be fined up to £60,000 per illegal worker if they fail to carry out these necessary checks.
The government continues to remind employers of their obligations, warning that failing to adhere to immigration laws could result in significant financial penalties and further legal action.
