The National Police confirmed the arrest of two individuals, a 62-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman, on suspicion of offenses related to violations of workers’ rights and the treatment of foreign nationals. Both suspects were taken into custody in connection with activities at two cattle farms located in Fuente Álamo and La Murta, Murcia. The case centers on alleged exploitation and abuse within a setting where labor and living conditions fell far short of legal and humane standards.
Specialist investigators from the National Police, working in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, Environment and Emergency Health Services, conducted a series of inspections at the farm facilities. Their work was complemented by personnel from the Labor and Social Security Inspectorate of the Region of Murcia. The joint operations aimed to uncover irregularities in the management of the farms, the welfare of the animals, and the treatment of workers living and working on site. Detailed inspections were designed to verify compliance with applicable national regulations and to identify any hazards or noncompliance that could endanger both human and animal health. The inspections documented issues that raised serious concerns about sanitary and hygienic conditions on the premises, including situations where some animals were deceased while others remained alive and responsive to minimal care.
During the course of the investigations, authorities identified ten workers who were present at the sites. The workers had entered the country through irregular channels or were seeking international protection. None of the workers appeared to have steady financial resources from a country of origin, and none reported having immediate family or a stable network within Spain. In several cases, workers were financially dependent on others in their home countries, creating a vulnerability that contributed to the reported conditions. Law enforcement and oversight bodies noted that these individuals were subjected to conditions that fell well below accepted labor and human rights standards.
Testimonies collected as part of the inquiry painted a distressing picture of long, exhausting workdays, with reported hours often reaching 12 hours and, in some instances, extending to 24 hours. Observations indicated that workers were expected to be available seven days a week, with little to no entitlement to rest or leave, even in cases of illness. Such practices have serious physical and mental health implications and are inconsistent with lawful employment arrangements. The living spaces at the site were described as inadequate for basic habitation, forcing workers to sleep in areas that did not meet minimum safety or sanitary requirements. The daily routine reportedly included repeated threats of deportation should workers fail to meet the demands placed upon them, undermining their freedom and safety and leaving them without meaningful recourse.
Authorities emphasized that the conditions observed did not reflect legitimate employment standards or humane treatment of foreign workers. The investigative process sought to establish a clear factual record that would support appropriate action to safeguard workers, protect animal welfare, and ensure compliance with all relevant laws. The case also highlighted the need for ongoing monitoring and enforcement to prevent future violations in similar settings. The detainees were brought before the Mission Court, which subsequently ordered their release pending the outcome of an oral hearing, allowing for due process while ensuring the ongoing investigation proceeded without delay. The proceedings and interim orders underscore the balance courts strive to maintain between safeguarding individual rights and addressing alleged misconduct. [Authorities]