Romanian Workers Freed from Forced Labor in Germany; Suspect Arrested

Authorities in Neumünster uncovered severe exploitation of migrant workers, involving inhumane conditions, coercion, and unpaid labor.

A 52-year-old Romanian man is accused of luring workers to Germany under false pretenses and forcing them into unpaid labor.
Workers endured up to 13-hour shifts with minimal food, no breaks, and constant surveillance, followed by confinement in unsanitary accommodations.
The accused used physical violence to maintain control and failed to pay wages or meet tax and social security obligations.
The case came to light after one worker escaped and alerted authorities, leading to a raid by nearly 80 customs officers.
Authorities shut down the construction site for safety violations and seized assets worth 60,000 euros to ensure victim compensation.