Five day remand after farm arrest

A 50-YEAR-OLD Nicosia man was yesterday remanded in custody for five days, in connection with the alleged exploitation of foreign workers.

The man was arrested on Tuesday afternoon during a police operation at two locations in Nicosia.

Police located 32 foreign workers living in squalid conditions, 14 of which were found to be residing on the island illegally.

In one case, 12 people were made share a single sleeping quarters. The lack of space forced some of the workers to sleep outdoors in the fields.

The workers charged that they were forced to work long hours, and that their travel documents and pay were withheld.

Police also arrested a second man, 63, who was expected to be released last night after being charged for illegally employing a foreigner and providing asylum to illegal foreigners.

Police said there was nothing to connect him with exploitation at the workplace.

Police spokesman Michalis Katsounotos said five of the workers have been identified as victims of exploitation in the workplace and were handed over to the welfare services who will find them a place to stay.

Katsounotos said deportation procedures were already underway for the 14 who were found to be living in Cyprus illegally.

The spokesman said at the moment police did not have any other evidence that would justify further arrests.

In November last year, police arrested a 38-year-old man in connection with the trafficking and exploitation of 110 people, who were found living in squalid conditions in Tseri.

The workers, all from Romania, were brought to Cyprus under the pretence that they would be given contractual labour, but ended up being dumped in cramped quarters allegedly run by the man, with no hot water or showers, while receiving up to €20 a week.

The Cypriot man allegedly sent the workers out on odd jobs for casual labour, while pocketing their pay and withholding their travel documents.

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