Siena agricultural company seized over alleged labor exploitation

An investigation by the Carabinieri Labor Inspection Nucleus of Siena has led to the seizure of an agricultural company in Val di Merse due to allegations of severe labor exploitation, known as ‘caporalato’. Three managers are under investigation for labor exploitation, serious culpable injuries, and ideological falsehood.

The investigation, which began in October 2025, revealed that a non-EU worker was allegedly forced to work an average of 62 hours per week for a flat monthly salary of approximately 800 euros. The worker reportedly lacked adequate rest and holidays and lived with his family, including a minor, in a dilapidated company building that had already been declared uninhabitable.

Furthermore, investigators allege that two serious workplace accidents occurring between 2024 and 2025 were intentionally misrepresented to evade inspections. It is claimed the worker was coerced into providing false information to medical staff through threats of dismissal and exploitation of his residency permit status. The victim and his family have been placed in a protected facility to receive assistance.