Last month, in Pego, authorities from the National Police and the Valencia Provincial Immigration and Border Brigade arrested a 53-year-old Spanish man on charges of labor trafficking. The case centers on exploiting a young Algerian worker who was kept in irregular status. The worker endured grueling conditions, working long hours in a bar-restaurant, receiving a meager wage and housing arranged by the employer. The arrangement left little more than 300 euros for monthly earnings and 100 euros for accommodation, with meals limited to leftovers from customers. In addition to restaurant work, the worker was obliged to care for an elderly family member of the employer and assist with household duties inside the residence.
As reported by the local press, the National Police has been conducting ongoing operations against labor exploitation. The investigation began in August after information suggested that a young Algerian individual in irregular status could be employed by a hotel business operator in the Marina Alta area without a proper work contract. The discovery triggered a broader inquiry into possible trafficking and exploitation within the local hospitality sector.
The investigators determined that the victim labored at the Pego hotel business for roughly 16 hours each day, totaling about 50 hours per week. The remaining time was spent assisting an elderly person who was related to the employer and helping to clean and maintain the home garden. This pattern points to a systematic use of vulnerable status to suppress fair labor practices and to control the worker’s life outside of work.
He met her at a training course
Authorities say the hotel operator encountered the victim during a training course he presented. By capitalizing on the young person’s fragile situation and limited command of Spanish, the operator allegedly offered employment with conditions that would lure the worker into irregular status. The suspect’s method appears to hinge on early access to a minor or young trainee and the exploitation of language barriers to secure labor.
The worker reported that the initial compensation was 300 euros per month, with a higher rate of 400 euros during the high season. However, deductions for accommodation brought the actual cash income down by about 100 euros. The severity of the working environment was underscored by the restriction on meals, with the only food provided being leftovers from customers. The worker also endured harassment during the workday, including insults, humiliation, and threats of deportation should she fail to meet expectations due to her irregular status.
Following the collection of evidence on the alleged labor exploitation, inspections by the Pego restaurant-bar inspection team, the Alicante Labor and Social Security Inspectorate, and members of the Valencia Unit for Combating Migration Networks and Documentary Lies (UCRIF) were coordinated on-site. The multidisciplinary response underscores the collaborative approach used to uncover labor trafficking schemes and to safeguard workers in vulnerable positions.
The detainee, who had prior police records, was transferred to the appropriate police facilities for processing. After the investigative and legal procedures, the suspect was brought to the courthouse to face formal charges.