Migrant Exploitation Ring to Face Trial for Labor Abuses Across France

The network was dismantled after months of meticulous investigation. Its members are accused of exploiting migrants, fraud and money laundering. "The workers were housed in unsanitary accommodations, often under the direct control of the organizers of the network, and found themselves in a situation of total dependence," indicates the referral order of the investigating judge Elsa Servant, to which La Dépêche had access.

In this 78-page document, the magistrate provides details on this well-organized network, led by criminals of Moroccan origin, including Aziz Z., a 47-year-old from Moissac, considered the leader of the network, in charge of the financial and logistical strategy. Former entrepreneur in the construction industry, he would have created front companies and developed a money laundering system. Oualid R., a 39-year-old from Montauban, presented as his right-hand man, was in charge of operations. He coordinated the process of recruiting workers in their country of origin and their transfer to agricultural holdings in France.

The investigations on this network started in 2019. After a few months of research, the investigators discovered the false social declarations filed by the fictitious companies of the network. The searches carried out in 2021 also made it possible to seize compromising documents: false employment contracts, fictitious staff lists and correspondence. The investigators also managed to trace the suspicious financial flows between France and Morocco, thanks to the telephone tappings carried out.

In total, ten people were indicted between May and September 2021 in this case. Aziz Z. and Oualid R. are being prosecuted for concealed work in an organized gang, aggravated money laundering, use of forgeries and assistance in the entry and stay of foreigners in an irregular situation. The accused will appear next week before the Montauban Judicial Court.