Eight Months of Illegal Confinement
According to the police investigation, the employee was held captive for eight months, with his personal freedom completely restricted, rarely leaving the fast-food restaurant where he worked. The employer exploited the worker’s status as an undocumented immigrant in Spain, using psychological intimidation and threats to convince him that he would be arrested and deported if he went outside. To maintain complete control, the owner even locked the shop from the outside at night, making escape impossible.
Extremely Harsh Labor Conditions
Throughout this period, the victim was forced to work more than 13 hours a day without receiving any salary. The employer neither provided a work contract nor registered him for social security. The only ‘compensation’ offered was the restaurant’s daily leftovers. He was housed in a makeshift room behind the shop with extremely poor sanitation. On-site photos show a small, filthy space lacking basic living facilities. The victim stated that when he asked for warmer clothes in the cold, the owner callously replied, ’You won’t freeze to death,' and ignored the rodent-infested environment.
Extortion and Violent Threats
In addition to the brutal exploitation, the owner subjected the victim to verbal abuse and physical violence. Making matters worse, the owner demanded €10,000 from the victim, falsely claiming the money would be used to arrange a legal work contract—an act that constitutes extortion. The police report states that this case goes far beyond a simple labor dispute, involving multiple criminal offenses, including illegal confinement and severe labor exploitation.
Police Intervention and Follow-up
After receiving a tip, Spanish police acted swiftly, raiding the fast-food restaurant in Lliçà d’Amunt. They rescued the victim on-site and arrested the owner. The victim has now been referred to local social service agencies for necessary legal aid and support. The accused owner has been handed over to judicial authorities and is facing multiple criminal charges as the case proceeds.
