Paraguayans working in slave-like conditions rescued

The Labor Prosecution Office in Rio de Janeiro (MPT-RJ) heard on Monday (Jul. 11) five of the 23 Paraguayans rescued from a clandestine cigarette factory in Campos Elísios, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, who were living in slave-like conditions.

The workers were found during an operation carried out on Friday (Jul. 8) by the General Department for Combating Corruption, Organized Crime, and Money Laundering, together with the Service Defense Office, and the Special Resources Coordination from the State Secretariat of Civil Police, as well as labor inspectors from the Regional Labor Superintendence in Rio de Janeiro. In addition to the Paraguayans, there was a Brazilian in the same situation.

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According to the Labor Prosecution Office, the men were recruited in Paraguay under the false promise of working in decent conditions, and a salary of BRL 3,000 per month. “During the trip by bus, the workers had their cell phones confiscated by the gang, alleging that Rio is a very dangerous city. They were taken blindfolded to their workplace,” the office informed.

Investigations indicate that the group had worked for three months from Sunday to Sunday, in two 12-hour shifts, with a 20-minute break. During this period, they received only BRL 500 as a salary. They had no permission to leave the place and had no contact with their families. They slept in a room without ventilation, on the second floor of the factory.

The rescued victims were immediately taken to a hotel at the expense of the Labor Prosecution Office.

In case the employer is not identified, prosecutors will pay labor funds and compensation to workers through the sale of machinery found at the factory, the agency said.

The workers will return to Paraguay by plane, and the tickets will be paid for by the Paraguayan consulate in Rio de Janeiro. One of the 23 Paraguayans will not be able to leave Brazil due to a warrant of arrest.