Sicily labor exploitation ring targets Moroccan farmworkers

Italian authorities have uncovered a labor exploitation ring in Sicily targeting Moroccan farmworkers. Investigations in the areas of Regalbuto and Enna revealed that workers were allegedly forced to work up to 70 hours per week without official contracts.

According to reports, the workers were paid as little as one euro per crate of oranges collected. They were reportedly housed in an uninhabitable building lacking basic utilities such as water and electricity, with accommodation costs deducted from their meager earnings to maintain financial dependency. The exploitation was allegedly enforced through threats and intimidation.

The investigation was triggered by complaints from four Moroccan workers assisted by the organization Penelope. As a result, authorities have taken precautionary measures against four Romanian nationals suspected of managing the recruitment and exploitation network. One suspect has been placed under house arrest with electronic surveillance, while the others are required to report regularly to police.