A father and two sons have been jailed for 17-and-a-half years after providing jobs for 180 illegal construction workers throughout the country.

Baljit Rai, 55, and his two sons, Mandeep Rai, 32, and Daljit Pai, 34, from Littleover, Derby were sentenced last week at Derby Crown Court.

Mandeep was jailed for seven-and-a half years, while Baljt and Daljit were both jailed for five years.

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The court heard how Mandeep created fake documents and was the "driving force behind the employment of most workers".

The Construction Industry Training Board's (CITB) card fraud team supported the Home Office Immigration Enforcement and Police during their investigation.

Ian Sidney, CITB Fraud Investigator, said the organisation takes illegal activity in the industry seriously.

"I hope this conviction sends a strong message to anyone else that may be taking part in illegal activities, and highlights the seriousness of fraud in construction," he said.

"We simply do not tolerate any fraudulent behaviour that puts people’s lives at risk or brings the industry into disrepute."

(LM)