U.S. Consulate construction in Milan investigated for labor exploitation

Italian justice authorities are investigating the construction of the new U.S. Consulate in Milan, with allegations of labor exploitation leading to the provisional detention of the construction company's executive. Ulas Demir, 47, the head of the Italian branch of the U.S. company Caddell Construction, was arrested at Bergamo airport on Sunday as he was about to board a flight to Istanbul with his family.

Prosecutors in Bergamo have requested that Demir's pre-trial detention be maintained, citing a significant risk of flight. He is accused of labor exploitation through intermediaries. Investigators allege that Demir's company hired dozens of Indian workers for the consulate's construction under exploitative terms.

According to reports, these workers were compelled to pay thousands of euros to an intermediary company in India to secure Italian work visas. Once in Italy, their wages reportedly did not exceed 4 euros per hour. The investigation aims to uncover the full extent of these alleged exploitative practices.

The case highlights concerns about labor conditions for foreign workers involved in major construction projects. The detention of Demir underscores the seriousness with which Italian authorities are treating these allegations, particularly given the potential for exploitation when workers are reliant on intermediaries and face precarious employment situations.