Alex Trelinski
A KEBAB shop owner has been arrested by the Policia Nacional for allegedly exploiting illegal migrants.
The 41-year-old man originally from Pakistan had a store in Biar(Alicante) with his main outlet in Yecla(Murcia).
The businessman employed people from his country- two of whom were minors aged 17 and 15 years- who were illegally in Spain and therefore vulnerable to exploitation.
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The workers were not registered with social security and had no job contracts.
They endured long hours but got paid nothing, though in lieu of a salary they were given somewhere to sleep and were fed
The Policia Nacional got involved after a former employee blew the whistle on what was going on.
He said the shop owner seized all of his identity papers and personal effects when he started working for him.
A series of inspections were carried out which verified that most of his staff were not registered with Spanish authorities or did not have a work permit.
The businessman has been charged with infringing workers’ rights and rights of foreign nationals.
Seven others have been arrested including a Moroccan for forging documents.
The rest were detained for breaking immigration laws.
The Policia Nacional said investigations are still continuing.
