In the Barcelona suburb of Lliçà d’Amunt, police have arrested the manager of a fast-food establishment. He is accused of holding an undocumented migrant captive for eight months, forcing him to work 13-hour shifts every day without pay, days off, or even basic living conditions. The man lived right in the back room of the restaurant, where instead of proper accommodation there were dirty mattresses, old clothes, and constant dampness. He couldn’t go outside: at night, the doors were locked from the outside and the owner kept the keys.
The freed migrant reported that for the slightest mistake, he was beaten, humiliated, and threatened. The owner would warn him that if he tried to escape, he would be immediately arrested and could forget about legalizing his status. On top of that, the employer didn’t hesitate to remind him that even rats wouldn’t touch him in this place—that things were that bad. There was no point in asking for warm clothes for winter: “You won’t die from the cold,” the owner would snap.
Life in captivity
Throughout this period, the man never stepped outside the restaurant walls. He worked off the books, without insurance or any sort of guarantee. The only things he was given were scraps of food and a bed in a filthy room. Basic human needs were ignored: no rest, no privacy, no chance to get fresh air. Every day became a trial where fear and helplessness were his only companions.
At one point, the owner even demanded 10,000 euros just for the promise to arrange a contract and help with legalization. For someone who isn’t receiving a cent, that amount seems like mockery. But the victim had no choice: either obey or be left without shelter and food.
Exploitation and threats
The establishment’s owner didn’t stop at just physical or psychological pressure. He constantly reminded the migrant that he had no documents, and if he stepped outside, he would immediately be detained. This turned the job into a real trap: the fear of being deported or arrested made even the thought of escape impossible.
What was happening went far beyond labor violations. This wasn’t just exploitation—it was, in fact, deprivation of freedom. The person ended up in a situation where their entire life depended on someone else’s will, and any attempt to change things could lead to even worse consequences.
Psychological pressure
The psychological pressure was constant. Any request—for warm clothing, for a short break—was met with mockery or threats. “Even the rats wouldn’t bother you,” the owner would say, emphasizing just how powerless he considered his worker. Moments like this make it clear: this isn’t just about breaking the law, but about a complete lack of basic humanity.
The victim admitted he was aware of the illegality of what was happening, but saw no other option. Without documents, money, or support, he was forced to accept any conditions just to avoid ending up on the street or dying of hunger.
Assistance and consequences
After his release, the man was handed over to social services. He was provided with temporary housing and support guaranteed by law in such cases. The establishment owner is now awaiting a court decision, and it appears he is facing serious punishment.
This story is not just another case of labor exploitation. It highlights how vulnerable people are when stranded in a foreign country without documents or support. It also shows how fear and dependence can so easily become tools for abuse. In such situations, it is especially important for society not to remain indifferent, and for law enforcement to respond quickly and decisively.
