Portugal arrests 28 suspected of human trafficking

LISBON: Portugal arrested 28 people suspected of human trafficking and exploitation of agricultural workers after raids on farms in the southern Alentejo region, police said Tuesday.

The detainees, who include Portuguese as well as foreign nationals, are suspected of belonging to a network aiding illegal immigration as well as engaging in money laundering and tax fraud, the police said in a statement following 78 raids mobilising some 480 officers.

Investigators have identified victims hailing from Romania, Moldova and Ukraine, as well as India, Pakistan and Senegal.

Lured to Portugal with promises of employment, they were found to be living in execrable conditions and suffering abuse including violence, according to a source close to the investigation quoted by the Publico daily.

The arrested are due to appear before a magistrate Wednesday. Portuguese police a year ago carried out a similar dragnet in the same region which led to 35 arrests for abuse of illegal migrant workers from Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia.