Paraná quarry owner investigated for forced‑labor conditions

Police Civil investigators in the Brazilian state of Paraná opened a case against the owner of a quarry in Virmond after an anonymous tip alleged forced‑labor practices. Inspectors found four workers living in improvised dormitories without sanitary facilities, receiving low wages and being tied to the site through alleged food‑debt servitude. Victims reported 10‑ to 12‑hour shifts, pay as low as R$300 for 60 days of work, and the absence of personal protective equipment while operating in a hazardous area. The quarry also lacked an environmental licence.

The 48‑year‑old proprietor, whose name has not been released, was not present during the raid but voluntarily appeared at the police station the next day. He denied the accusations and offered no documentation to support his version. The case has been referred to the Public Ministry of Labor for possible administrative sanctions, and the criminal investigation must be concluded within 30 days.