A network of people which allegedly provides illegal immigrants of Indian-origin, mostly Punjabis, forged or stolen identity papers and help them secure a job in Britain has been exposed in an undercover BBC investigation.

The network, which operates in west London [Images] suburb of Southall which has a large population of Punjab-origin, allegedly exploits hundreds of illegal immigrants from India through cheap housing, faked documents and poorly paid, often dangerous jobs.

The BBC report showed the facilitators speaking in Punjabi, collecting money for illegal services provided and handing over the key identity documents such as passports and the National Insurance card.

During the investigation, widespread unlawful job practises, squalid housing, and a thriving trade in fake documents were uncovered. More than 40 houses packed with illegal immigrants were identified in one square mile of Southall, the report said.

"The young, mostly male Punjabis are not here lawfully and, although most know the risks, they have few legal rights. They are surrounded by forgers, criminals and ruthless employers," it said.

A team of BBC's undercover reporters met and filmed a man who called himself 'Vicki', who was open about the fake documents he could obtain, and boasted about servicing customers in Sheffield, Bradford and Coventry.