Two men and Spanish company charged in Portuguese migrant exploitation case

The Public Ministry of Évora has filed charges against two men, aged 32 and 42, and a Spanish-based company for crimes involving illegal immigration assistance and illegal labor recruitment. The investigation reveals an international criminal operation that took place in the Elvas region between October 2021 and January 2022.

The suspects allegedly targeted migrants from North Africa, specifically Algeria and Morocco, by promising lucrative jobs, housing, and legal residency in Portugal. Instead, the victims were reportedly lured into the illicit labor market to work under the suspects' orders without the promised legal documentation or contracts.

Authorities estimate the illegal activity generated significant profits. The Public Ministry is seeking the forfeiture of illicit gains, with values cited between 234,000 and 324,000 euros.