Officers from Strathclyde, Lothian and Borders joined forces with the Security Industry Authority (SIA), UK Border Agency and Department for Work and Pensions to target cowboy firms.
During the raids – codenamed “Operation Raptor” – nearly 50 offences were uncovered including suspected immigration crimes and benefits offences.
Detective Inspector Calum Young, Maryhill CID, said: “I am pleased with the results of this operation. The sole purpose of this and the operations that will follow, is to target those individuals and companies that continue to act outside the law.
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“Our message to those who are active in the private security industry is a simple one; you are governed by the Private Security Industry Act 2001 - act and work in accordance with the law.”
Christy Hopkins, SIA Head of Investigation, said: “This operation shows the commitment of the SIA and its partners to target security companies who seek to profit by disregarding the law. The SIA regulates the private security industry to ensure that only fit and proper people are employed in these positions of trust within our communities. We will continue to work closely with our partners to cause maximum disruption to rogue security companies."
The crackdown comes amid calls for a tightening of the Security Industry Act in Scotland to relieve contractors of the burden of dealing with security firms on big public projects by putting the vetting process into the hands of third parties.
