The Guardia Civil, in collaboration with the Labour Inspection of the Murcia region, has launched operation ‘Jorke’ in the Campo de Cartagena area. This operation led to the detection of ten foreign nationals working on an agricultural farm without contracts. The investigation resulted in the arrest of three individuals suspected of committing offences against workers’ rights.

During inspections aimed at preventing labour exploitation, officers noticed ten individuals fleeing upon their arrival. Upon identification, it became evident that these individuals were foreign nationals lacking residence and work permits. An interpreter was needed for communication, as most spoke little Spanish.

It was revealed that the workers were victims of a suspected criminal network involving three individuals: one who recruited them, another who transported them to the farms, and a local employer in Cartagena. The recruiters, residing in Lorca, offered wages significantly below the agricultural sector’s established criteria, taking advantage of the workers’ precarious situation.

The ‘Jorke’ operation not only led to the arrests but also involved the seizure of the van used for transporting workers, along with extensive documentation related to the ongoing investigation. The ten workers have been provided assistance and informed of their rights as victims of a crime in Spain.