Italian Police Rescue 33 Indian Farm Laborers from From 'Slavery' in Verona

New Delhi, India: Italian authorities have uncovered a disturbing case of labor exploitation in the northern province of Verona, where 33 Indian farm laborers were freed from dire working conditions akin to slavery. On Saturday, police announced the successful operation that led to the rescue of the migrants and the seizure of nearly half a million euros ($545,300) from their alleged abusers.

The victims, brought to Italy on seasonal work permits by alleged gang masters also of Indian origin, were promised a better future but instead found themselves trapped in exploitative circumstances. 

Each laborer was coerced into paying 17,000 euros upfront, purportedly for employment opportunities. However, upon arrival, they were forced to toil on farms seven days a week, enduring grueling shifts lasting 10-12 hours, for a meager wage of just 4 euros per hour. Shockingly, this wage was entirely withheld from them until they could settle their supposed debts.

"The migrants' treatment amounted to modern-day slavery," described the police statement, highlighting the severity of the exploitation. Some victims were even compelled to continue working without pay in order to "earn" an additional 13,000 euros for a permanent work permit that would never materialize.

The alleged perpetrators have been charged with crimes related to slavery and labor exploitation. 

Meanwhile, the rescued laborers are being provided with protection, opportunities for legitimate work, and assistance in obtaining legal residency papers, ensuring their safety and rights are upheld.

According to 2021 data from Italy's national statistics office Istat, illegal employment affects approximately 11% of the workforce overall, with a significantly higher prevalence exceeding 23% within the agricultural sector.