Nine Moroccans Paid €37,500 for Italian Work Permits That Were Supposed to Be Free
Nine Moroccans employed in Italian agriculture allegedly paid 37,500 euros to convert their seasonal residence permits into salaried work permits. Investigators say the procedure was free. In Trento, the case led to the judicial seizure of 790,514 euros.
They were led to believe that their jobs, housing and stay in Italy depended on making the payment. Between 4,000 and 5,000 euros per person: that is how much was allegedly demanded from nine Moroccan workers to convert their seasonal permits.
According to the Guardia di Finanza statement published on October 21, converting to a residence permit for salaried work was a free procedure under the “Decreto Flussi.” The suspects allegedly presented the process as one that required payment.
Investigators also describe coercion: workers were told that if they refused, they risked losing their jobs, housing and the possibility of staying legally in Italy.
100 euros for a blanket, nearly 800,000 euros seized
The alleged fraud is part of an investigation into two farms in Trentino. Between 2018 and 2024, 84 seasonal workers from six countries, including Morocco, allegedly endured excessive hours and wages below the minimum rates.
According to Corriere del Trentino, workers also had to pay 3 euros per night for dilapidated accommodation, 100 euros for a blanket and a pillow, and 5 euros to be driven around and do their shopping.
The investigation targets an agricultural entrepreneur in Trentino and five members of his family. They are suspected of organizing the exploitation of workers and committing fraud.
Investigators estimate that 753,014 euros in wages and contributions were withheld from the workers. Adding the 37,500 euros paid by the nine Moroccans brings the total to 790,514 euros. A judge in Trento ordered the preventive seizure of this amount pending possible confiscation.
