Police in Yecla have arrested two individuals accused of exploiting undocumented foreign workers. The investigation began after a police control operation discovered a van carrying nine workers, four of whom were in Spain illegally. It was found that one of the detainees operated a subcontracted company engaged in agricultural work in Villena, Alicante, and Pétrola, Albacete.

The workers faced abusive and restrictive conditions. They lacked work permits and social security registration, had no medical insurance, and worked indefinite hours for very low wages. Inspections of the companies employing these individuals revealed a total of eleven victims of labour exploitation.

Transport of these workers often involved exceeding the maximum capacity of the vehicle, with drives conducted by individuals without driving permits, which severely jeopardised the physical safety of the workers. As a result of the findings, the two detained suspects have been placed in custody for judicial proceedings.

The National Police have reiterated the importance of safeguarding workers’ rights and will continue investigations to combat labour exploitation in the region.