Slave labor in Boeotia: three detained, including a minor

In Thebes the police released a foreign worker who, according to investigators, was in conditions of labor exploitation and actual detention.

To the point three foreigners detainedamong them minor. They are charged with human trafficking and violations of migration legislation.

The operation took place in the area Boeotia following an electronic complaint received by the competent authorities. As reported Greek mediaa man came to this area about three months ago, agreeing to work in agricultural crops. Instead of the promised conditions, according to the investigation, he found himself in a position that is more reminiscent of slave labor rather than an employment contract.

According to the case materials, the victim was allegedly kept confined in container and forced to work under pressure. He received only part of the promised payment, and when he tried to leave or demand the money he earned, he said, he faced violence.

Agricultural work as a trap

The scheme described in the case painfully familiar: a person is promised work, housing and pay, and after arriving he finds himself dependent on employers, without money, without normal conditions and without a real opportunity to leave. In such cases, labor exploitation quickly turns into human trafficking, even if outwardly it all began as “ordinary work in the fields.”

Greek Ministry of Migration specifically states that forced labor can occur in areas such as agriculture, construction, fishing, domestic work, catering and other low-paid sectors. Particularly vulnerable are migrants and refugees who do not speak the language, are dependent on intermediaries and are afraid to approach the authorities.

Preliminary investigation is being conducted by police authorities Thebes. The detainees were brought to the competent prosecutor, who will determine further procedural actions.

Editorial comment

This story shows again the dark side of cheap agricultural labor. While on display are products, harvests and the “regional economy,” behind the scenes there is sometimes a container, an intimidated worker, and a salary that is given in installments, like a favor.

If the charges are confirmed, we are not talking about a conflict between an employee and an employer, but about human trafficking and exploitation of a person who came to earn money and found himself in a trap. And here, not only the work of the police after a complaint is important, but also the issue of control: how many of these people are silent because they are afraid, do not know the language, or simply do not believe that they will be heard at all.

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