Slovenia rescues 33 Paraguayan victims of labor exploitation

Authorities in Slovenia have rescued 33 Paraguayan nationals from a clandestine cigarette factory where they were victims of labor trafficking. One Bulgarian citizen was also among the 34 individuals rescued during the operation.

Investigations reveal that trafficking networks recruited the victims by promising high-paying jobs abroad, with salaries reaching up to 10,000 euros per month. The workers entered Europe as tourists via Zagreb, Croatia, before being clandestinely moved to the industrial complex in Slovenia.

Victims were subjected to extreme exploitation, including 12-hour shifts without natural light, restricted movement, verbal abuse, and insufficient food. The factory was dismantled, and authorities seized tons of tobacco and thousands of cigarette boxes.

The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care, psychological support, and legal assistance in social protection shelters. Paraguayan officials, including the Secretariat for the Development of Compatriots, Refugees, and Repatriates (SEDERREC), are coordinating with the Paraguayan Embassy in Slovenia and humanitarian organizations like Caritas to manage the logistics and costs of their repatriation.