Business owner arrested for employing illegal staff with no contracts

The person responsible for a gardening and swimming-pool maintenance company in Fuerteventura has been arrested by the National Police over the alleged exploitation of foreign workers.

The investigation began in August after a worker reported the conditions under which he was allegedly being employed by the company. A second worker subsequently came forward independently with similar allegations.

According to their statements, workers were recruited through messaging groups aimed at migrants whose immigration status in the islands was classed at irregular, i.e. they have no paperwork.

€30 to €40 for shifts of up to 11 hours

The workers told investigators they received between €30 and €40 in cash for shifts lasting between six and 11 hours.

They allegedly worked without employment contracts or Social Security registration and claimed they did not receive paid holidays or additional salary payments.

The workers also reported frequent delays in receiving their wages and, in some cases, non-payment.

According to the National Police investigation, the employer allegedly knew that the workers did not have permission to work legally in the islands.

They also claimed they were instructed to run away or hide if the police or work inspectors appeared.

Third worker found in Corralejo

During the investigation, officers carried out surveillance which led them to the suspect and a third worker at an apartment complex in Corralejo.

That worker reportedly told officers he received no financial payment at all, instead being provided with food, provisions and toiletries.

The investigation was conducted by the Immigration and Borders Brigade in Puerto del Rosario.

The person responsible for the company was arrested on 30th September and brought before the duty court in Puerto del Rosario as the alleged perpetrator of an offence against workers' rights.