Spanish authorities have arrested 13 members and are investigating another six linked to an international criminal organization that deceived and exploited seasonal workers from Senegal and Morocco.
The operation, dubbed “Bomvoyage,” targeted a group that rigged the recruitment process in the workers’ home countries, charging them between 4,000 and 6,000 euros just to be selected.
The Civil Guard launched the investigation after detecting irregularities in a company’s (GECCO) contract management at source in Hellín, Albacete.
The probe revealed that the organization offered precarious housing and agricultural work in Spain.
However, if the workers refused the conditions or expressed a desire to return home, the organization would exploit their situation further. They were charged exorbitant sums, ranging from 4,000 to 12,000 euros, to facilitate their return, essentially profiting from a legal system designed to aid immigration.
Authorities have identified over 300 potential victims in the last three years. The criminal organization had a sophisticated structure, with legal advisors, recruiters in Senegal and Morocco, and managers overseeing the workers in Spain.
The leaders cultivated a facade of legitimacy, appearing reputable to local authorities in the workers’ home countries.
The migrants faced brutal working conditions. They were forced to work grueling hours and endure illegal deductions from their wages, leaving them with as little as 200 euros per month.
The organization also resorted to manipulative tactics, pressuring them to sign documents without explanation and even tricking them into unnecessary bank and phone contracts to earn commissions.
Another source of profit for the organization was housing. They crammed migrants into isolated, run-down properties with inflated prices, manipulating contracts to maximize government subsidies for their accommodation.
The first phase of Operation Bomvoyage involved raids in Hellín and Alhama de Murcia, seizing significant evidence. This included documents, computer equipment, financial products, and the freezing of 15 bank accounts.
The second phase saw collaboration between the Civil Guard and labor inspectors, uncovering clear violations of workers’ rights within the company and the provided housing. Interviews with the migrants confirmed instances of excessive charges, poor living conditions, and even food shortages.
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