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Avalon Mall workers arrested in immigration investigation

CBC news has learned that several businesses in the Avalon Mall in St. John's were shut down on Thursday as authorities arrested several people in connection with an immigration investigation.

St. John's mall arrests part of a three-province investigation

CBC news has learned that several businesses in the Avalon Mall in St. John's were shut down on Thursday as authorities arrested several people in connection with an immigration investigation. 

A witness at the mall described officers arresting workers at three, possibly more, kiosks at the mall around mid-morning on Thursday. 

CBC news has been told that one business sold hair straighteners, another offered massages, and a third kiosk sold toy helicopters.

In a written statement, the Canadian Border Services Agency said search warrants were executed in relation to an ongoing immigration file.

The agency described the file as a co-ordinated effort between officials in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. 

The statement said nothing about arrests. 

A relative of the owner of the kiosks said the incident involved a paperwork issue with the employees and that the issue will be straightened out.

Some of the businesses had re-opened by Thursday afternoon.