Suche
Mein Konto
Exploitation in Neumünster: Romanian in court – victim trapped for decades!
A 52-year-old Romanian is on trial, charged with exploitation and deprivation of liberty of migrant workers in Neumünster.
Exploitation in Neumünster: Romanian in court – victim trapped for decades!
In Neumünster, where the dark side of labor migration is becoming apparent, a 52-year-old Romanian is standing before the Kiel regional court. He is charged with serious charges related to labor exploitation. According to [kn-online.de](https://www.kn-online.de/lokales/neumuenster/52-jahre-alter-rumaene-rumaene- stands-wegen-ausbeutung-vorm-landgericht-kiel-3WLKW3B2WRA5BNTN5JCADUAUTI.html), three men and a woman had to live in a warehouse for months without pay, under constant control and intimidation by their “boss”.
The people affected were lured to Germany with the promise of a net salary of 1,800 euros and accommodation. Instead, they ended up in a nightmare of forced labor. For months they were required to work on construction sites in Neumünster, often on long, tiring days with no days off. The Romanian woman was employed almost exclusively in the warehouse and took care of household tasks, but was only allowed to shop under supervision, while the victims' diet was described as inadequate.
The cruelty of exploitation
The situation was only discovered in February 2025, when a Romanian managed to escape and received help from a Diakonie employee. This triggered a raid by the main customs office in Kiel, during which the victims were freed and evidence was secured. As ilo.org explains, forced labor is a widespread problem that occurs in a wide variety of industries. This is work that is forced under threat of punishment, often physical violence or risk of deprivation. Around 27.6 million people worldwide are affected by this form of exploitation, as the statistical offices confirm.
In addition to bodily harm, the allegations against the defendant also include deprivation of liberty and withholding of wages and social security contributions. He is also accused of trying to bribe one of the Romanians with 1,700 euros to refute the allegations. The trial will last until at least November 2023, and if convicted, the defendant could face several years in prison. He is currently in custody.
A global problem
This shocking story is not an isolated incident. As the ILO points out, women, migrant workers and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by forced labor. Conditions are often precarious, particularly in Europe, where around 800,000 people live in this type of exploitation. Working conditions, including extreme hours and the lack of fair wages, are features common in this dark reality of modern slavery.
The current events in Neumünster also make it clear how important it is to strengthen “the voice of those affected”. It is necessary to strengthen existing laws to protect migrant workers and help those caught in exploitative situations.
It remains to be hoped that these legal steps will not only lead to the punishment of the accused, but also to greater awareness of the problem of human rights violations in our society. Because it is important to recognize that each of us can do something to end this painful chapter of modern slavery.