Romanians exploited in Spain: Beaten, paid 20 euros weekly, held in squalor

Two Romanian men reported their harrowing experience of labor exploitation in Spain, leading to the arrest of two alleged perpetrators. The victims described being recruited with promises of good jobs and living conditions, only to be subjected to grueling work, minimal pay, and inhumane living situations.

According to the victims, they were lured to Spain with promises of agricultural work, individual rooms with bathrooms, legal contracts, and a monthly salary of 2,000 euros. Instead, ten men were transported to a farm in Yunclillos, Toledo province, and housed in a dilapidated warehouse. They were given only 20 euros weekly for food and hygiene products.

Their work involved harvesting garlic and onions, with working hours from 5 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Their documents were confiscated under the guise of contract processing, but no contracts were ever signed. Workers were forced to pay for accommodation, food, electricity, and even tools, with their alleged debts increasing due to unspecified fines. Those who complained or fell ill faced physical abuse.

The investigation began when two men managed to escape and report their situation to the police in Villaverde. They detailed how they were paid meager amounts, with one receiving only 200 euros over two months, and were told they would receive nothing more until their fabricated debts were settled. Three other workers also managed to escape the exploitative conditions.

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And you will not receive anything else until you pay off the debt.