250 a month for 50 hours of work a week? 1.25 euros per hour!

National Police officers have arrested a construction contractor in Calvià, Manacor, accused of committing a crime against workers’ rights. The contractor had employees working on construction projects subject to a 50-hour work week and who received no more than 250 euros in salary. So far, six victims of labour exploitation have been identified. In addition, the suspect was subject to an international arrest warrant from his country of origin, which led to his imprisonment in Palma.

According to the provincial chief, the events date back to the day before the 7th. After six months of investigation, the Manacor Immigration Department arrested the businessman in Santa Ponça, in the municipality of Calvià. It turned out that his modus operandi consisted of recruiting qualified construction workers in their countries of origin and attracting them with well-paid jobs, good working conditions and even a residence permit in Spain. However, after his arrival on the island, the situation took a drastic turn. The businessman showed the workers how they could enter the country as tourists and informed them of other requirements for crossing the border and avoiding complications. Once in Manacor, they were put to work on private construction projects and on the renovation of hotel facilities. The work shifts were more than 50 hours a week, while the monthly salary did not exceed 250 euros, and a person received only 50 euros a month.

So far, a total of six victims linked to this businessman have been identified. They currently live in Spain without any means, as they have had to cover their own travel and subsistence expenses during their stay in the country. They are also unable to earn income as they do not have a residence permit.