Moroccan man arrested for gangmastering and labor exploitation in Italy

A Moroccan man was arrested in Palagonia, Catania, for gangmastering and labor exploitation, Italian media reported on Tuesday.

The Guardia di Finanza apprehended him while he was transporting workers to citrus fields. Investigators, following the vehicle, discovered three non-EU workers subjected to degrading conditions, lacking contracts, protective equipment, and proper medical checks. They were also denied their weekly day off and paid below the legal wage.

Additionally, the arrested man had sublet a property to the workers under poor hygienic conditions, further exploiting their vulnerable situation. Many of the laborers, struggling with economic hardship, were sending most of their wages back to their families and facing language barriers in Italy.