Two men were arrested in Vila Verde, Braga district, and in Cadaval, Lisbon district, on charges of human trafficking involving at least a dozen victims, the Judicial Police (PJ) reported on Friday.
According to a statement, the PJ’s Northern Directorate, which is leading the investigation, has gathered evidence that the suspects have been operating a scheme since at least mid-2022. They established a company with the goal of luring foreign nationals with promises of employment contracts in the forestry sector.
Despite the terms outlined in their contracts, the victims—approximately a dozen so far—were subjected to horrific working conditions. They were forced to work 12-hour shifts with only a 15-minute break for food, and were given just one day off every two weeks.
Additionally, the victims were housed in unsanitary conditions and charged 100 euros per month for rent. They were deprived of drinking water and food and never received the agreed-upon wages for their labor.
The suspects, aged 37 and 39 and of foreign nationality, were brought before a judge for their first hearing and were given non-custodial coercive measures. They are facing charges of human trafficking.
