Portuguese criminal police announced today that they have arrested four people on suspicion of holding a man in a position, similar to slavery, for 17 years, reported Reuters, quoted by BTA, specifying that it was the northern district of Braganza.
The police noted in a statement that during the mentioned period the 54-year-old man was subjected to physical and mental abuse, as well as that he was a victim of labor exploitation, including through "renting out" to third parties for agricultural work.
The victim, who has mental difficulties and is without a family, was not paid for the work done, and his every move was controlled by the suspects, who had the victim's documents, the police said.
"He lived in humiliating conditions, sleeping in a van without meeting his minimum needs for life, health, hygiene and nutrition," said the police statement.
"The accused never gave him the opportunity to receive medical care, even when he suffered a serious accident,", added the police.
The victim, who suffered permanent injuries that hampered her movements, eventually managed to escape and is currently receiving specialist care.
The arrested are between 37 and 44 years old. They have been charged with enslavement, human trafficking and counterfeiting. The police did not reveal the nationality of the victim, according to Reuters.
The agency states that cases of labor exploitation and human trafficking are increasing in Portugal.
Reuters recalls that in November, Portuguese police carried out operations on farms in the historic southern Alentejo region as part of a large-scale operation in which 28 people were arrested on suspicion of human trafficking and labor exploitation.