Gang master who exploited foreign workers arrested in Spain

Gang master who exploited foreign workers arrested in Spain

A MAN has been arrested in Spain accused of being a gang master who exploited foreign workers on a farm.

National Police in Albacete started an investigation in April when two foreign citizens, father and daughter, made a complaint that they had been lured to the country by a compatriot with the promise of good pay and working conditions. When they got to Spain they found the reality somewhat different.

They found themselves in the hands of a gang master who was in charge of several dozen workers. He never handed over the full amount promised, instead holding back ‘commissions’ for housing, transport and ‘job searches’.

In addition, he deceived them about their salary and other working conditions. The daughter was registered on the Social Security with another identity and only declared for half of the days worked despite the long working hours that should have been paid.

After several months hard work, they were told they still ‘owed’ the gang master money even though they had never received the agreed wages. When they complained they were threatened.

When police and the Labour Inspectorate raided a farm where the victims were working, they found another 11 foreigners who confirmed they had suffered similar abuses.