Seven British ski instructors have been arrested in France and were on Saturday facing prison sentences for providing lessons without a licence amid a bitter jobs war on the piste, reports The Daily Telegraph.
Simon Butler, an Englishman who runs a tour business in the resort of Megève, was snatched off a ski lift by armed French officers on Tuesday, along with his six colleagues.
'They are accused of breaking employment laws', said Bonneville prosecutor Pierre-Yves Michau, who confirmed all were expected in a criminal court within the next two months.
'Mr Butler is not conforming to our laws,' said Mr Michau, who said all those arrested had their passports withdrawn.
Those arrested and held overnight in a police cell last Tuesday were Simon Butler, 51; Mark Gibbs, 63; and Alex Casey, 41. All face charges.
Also arrested and facing charges, but not imprisoned, were Adam Alder-Cox, 21; Philip May, 45; Ross Medcalf, 28 ; and Jim Wilkins 47.
Jay Blatherwick, a 48 -year-old female instructor, was questioned by French police, but not formally arrested.
But a furious Mr Butler, who is on bail and due to face a judge on April 7th, said: 'I have all the right documentation to work in France, and so do my staff.
Read more of this report from The Daily Telegraph.