Caserta labor exploitation: 8 investigated for caporalato

Eight individuals are under investigation in the Caserta region of Italy for illegal labor brokerage and the exploitation of workers, a practice known as ‘caporalato’. The investigation, coordinated by the Prosecutor's Office of Santa Maria Capua Vetere, revealed that up to 80 laborers were recruited on the streets and transported to vegetable fields in dilapidated vans.

Workers, primarily undocumented non-EU nationals, were subjected to grueling conditions, including 12 to 14-hour shifts, seven days a week. Pay rates were extremely low, ranging from 80 cents to 1.50 euros per crate, or hourly wages of 3 to 4 euros. Daily earnings were capped at 30 euros for new workers and 50 euros for long-term employees.

Laborers often worked in adverse weather conditions, including extreme heat, in violation of regional ordinances. The two-year investigation focused on activities in Villa Literno and Mondragone. Following the investigation, the Carabinieri executed orders requiring three subjects to report to judicial police and one to remain at a specific residence, while four others were notified of the conclusion of preliminary investigations.