Italy: Man indicted for labor exploitation and violence in Ferrara

A 49-year-old man of Pakistani origin has been sent to trial in Italy on charges including illegal labor intermediation, exploitation, personal injury, threats, and kidnapping. The charges involve the exploitation of approximately twenty workers in the Ferrara region, specifically around Portomaggiore, between 2020 and 2024.

According to prosecutors, the defendant acted as an intermediary for agricultural businesses, providing low-cost labor by exploiting the workers' state of need. The investigation alleges that workers were forced to work well beyond eight hours a day, often in extreme heat, for wages that were disproportionately low or below collective bargaining agreements. In many instances, the defendant reportedly withheld a portion of the salaries, sometimes requiring workers to return funds in cash after receiving digital transfers.

Beyond economic exploitation, the indictment includes allegations of physical violence, such as kicks and punches, and death threats against those who did not comply with his rules. The preliminary hearing, held before Judge Sandra Lepore, resulted in the defendant being ordered to stand trial, with the first hearing scheduled for January 13.