When a 25-year-old man from Nepal reported being forced to work in Greece’s strawberry fields, police made arrests — but did not investigate the employers he identified. An investigation by Solomon, based on case files, court records and testimonies, reveals a pattern in trafficking cases in which migrant workers are criminalized while allegations of labor exploitation remain largely unexamined.

Summary:

A 25-year-old Nepali man escaped forced labor in Greek strawberry fields in Manolada and reported exploitation to police in January 2024. Despite arrests of some network members, Greek employers and supervisors identified by the victim were never investigated or called to testify. The police investigation was criticized as deficient and incomplete, with authorities failing to pursue leads or examine the role of Greek business owners who benefit from exploitative labor. The case highlights a broader pattern of labor trafficking involving South Asian workers in Greece, facilitated by digital recruitment and informal transport systems, with many victims detained or deported without protection.

Key points:

  • Nepali worker escaped forced labor in Manolada strawberry fields, reported exploitation.
  • Police arrested recruiters and some network members but did not investigate Greek employers/supervisors named by victim.
  • Court described police investigation as deficient; Greek employers seen as ultimate beneficiaries of exploitative labor.
  • Increasing trafficking of South Asian workers into Greece via legal and illegal routes; exploitation common after visa expiration.
  • Migrant workers live/work in harsh conditions, often detained or deported without protection, hindering trafficking prosecutions.

Archive: https://archive.fo/HR6mM