Farm owner investigated for illegally employing workers

Members of the human trafficking police unit in collaboration with the labour ministry’s inspection unit are investigating a 40-year-old farm owner in the Nicosia district accused of illegally employing four third country nationals.

Officers from both units carried out an inspection at the farm on Tuesday after a tip off. Early testimonies revealed that the four employees were illegally employed by the 40-year-old.

The four individuals were removed from the farm and transported to a secure location under the care of Social Welfare Services.

The employer received notifications from an inspector the labour ministry’s inspection unit regarding undeclared work. He is now under investigation for offenses related to human trafficking and labour exploitation.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday police have also taken a 28-year-old woman into custody to facilitate investigations regarding a suspected case of illegal employment at a hotel in Paphos.

Paphos police spokesperson Michalis Nicolaou told the Cyprus News Agency that members of the Aliens and Immigration Service conducted an inspection at a hotel in Kato Paphos following information indicating the illegal employment of individuals there.

During the inspection, they identified the 28-year-old woman who was found to be working illegally.

Police inquiries revealed that she resides in the Republic without the approval of the relevant authorities.

The 28-year-old was arrested and placed under detention. She was charged in writing and later released pending a later summons. Meanwhile, the owner of the establishment, a 54-year-old, was interrogated and is expected to face legal consequences, according to Nicolaou.