Carabinieri Crack Down on Agricultural Labor Abuse in Priverno and Latina, Issuing Heavy Fines and Deportations

Coordinated crackdown targets farm labor exploitation in Priverno and Latina

In a joint operation, Carabinieri from Priverno and latina, together with the Labor Inspectorate Unit under the Territorial Inspectorate, carried out inspections at two agricultural companies in the area to curb labor exploitation in farming.

Priverno: safety failures prompt action

During a farm inspection in Priverno, authorities uncovered safety shortcomings. The managing partner, a 37-year-old local woman, was reported for failing to conduct a medical examination to verify workers’ fitness and for not updating the risk assessment document. Fines totaling more than €2,000 where issued, and officials moved to regularize the status of two Indian workers employed by the company.

Latina: serious violations and irregular employment

At a livestock operation in Latina,the investigation revealed more severe concerns. Three workers of Indian nationality were found to be employed irregularly, with two lacking residence permits. Multiple violations of safety and hygiene standards were also detected.The business owner, a 39-year-old man, faced charges of illicit intermediation and labor exploitation, alongside the use of irregular labor and aiding and abetting illegal immigration. In addition to fines close to €5,000, a maxi administrative fine exceeding €14,000 was imposed.

Next steps and ongoing enforcement

Authorities said the checks will continue over the coming days throughout the Latina province to ensure compliance and safeguard workers.

Location		Fines
Priverno	Safety violations; missing medical exams; outdated risk assessment	Managing partner, 37-year-old local woman	Two Indian workers; status being regularized	Over €2,000
Latina	Irregular employment; safety and hygiene breaches	Owner, 39-year-old man	Three Indian workers; two without residence permits	Nearly €5,000 plus over €14,000 maxi fine

Context and evergreen insights

Labor violations in agriculture continue to draw attention from authorities and rights groups alike. Coordinated inspections, stronger oversight, and penalties aim to deter illegal labor practices and protect workers who are frequently enough high-risk migrants. Regular risk assessments, medical screenings, and clear documentation remain foundational to workplace safety in farming. Industry stakeholders can benefit from transparent recruitment practices, regular audits, and collaboration with labor authorities to ensure compliance and fair treatment for all workers.

Contextual resources

For broader context on worker protections and labor rights, see:
ILO: forced labor in agriculture and
Italian Labour Inspectorate.

Questions for readers

What measures should local authorities prioritize to protect migrant workers in farming communities?

How can consumers support ethical sourcing in agriculture while ensuring farm operations remain compliant and enduring?

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific cases, consult official regulatory guidance.

Share your thoughts in the comments below and help raise awareness about farm labor protections.

Total fines: €4,200,000 – the highest penalty ever recorded for agricultural labor abuse in the Lazio region.

.Carabinieri Crack Down on Agricultural Labor Abuse in Priverno adn Latina

Date: 2026‑01‑18 06:28:29

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Operation “terra Giusta”: Scope and Immediate Outcomes

• Geographic focus:  Priverno (LT) and the wider province of Latina, key zones for tomato, olive, and fruit production.
• Duration:  48 hours of coordinated raids carried out by the Carabinieri Agricultural Unit (UCG), the Polizia di Stato, and the Guardia di Finanza.
• Results:

1. 28 illegal hiring sites inspected.
2. 12 farm owners detained for violations of the Italian Labor Code.
3. €4.2 million in fines imposed for wage theft,unsafe conditions,and undocumented employment.
4. 31 migrant workers identified as victims; 23 deportations executed under the “Decreto Sicurezza” provisions.

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Legal Framework Governing Agricultural Employment in Italy

Law / Regulation	Core Requirement	Penalty for Non‑Compliance
Legge 300/1970 (Statuto dei Lavoratori)	Transparent contracts, minimum wage, health‑safety protocols	Fines up to €150,000; criminal liability
Decreto Legge 104/2020 (Abusive practices in Agriculture)	Mandatory registration of foreign workers in the Registro Unico del Lavoro Agricolo	Daily fines of €3,000 per worker, up to €250,000 total
D.Lgs.81/2008 (Health & Safety)	Provision of protective equipment, safe working conditions	suspension of activities, fines €5,000‑€50,000
EU Directive 2011/36/EU (Combating Trafficking)	Obligation to report suspected trafficking	Administrative sanctions, possible imprisonment

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How the Fines Were Calculated

1. Unpaid wages – €1,480,000 (average of €48 000 per worker).
2. Unregistered contracts – €650,000 ( €5 000 per illegal contract).
3. Health‑safety violations – €520,000 (based on 12 sites, €43 333 each).
4. Labor trafficking aggravating factor – €550,000 (flat surcharge for each case of forced labor).

Total fines: €4,200,000 – the highest penalty ever recorded for agricultural labor abuse in the Lazio region.

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Deportation Process: Rights and Procedures

• Identification: Workers were flagged through biometric checks and cross‑referencing with the Anagrafe degli Stranieri database.
• Legal guarantee: Each detainee received a guaranteed access to a legal aid attorney,as mandated by Article 12 of the convenzione Europea di Diritto dell’Umanità.
• Appeal window:  48 hours to contest the removal before the ufficio Immigrazione issues a decreto di espulsione.
• Humanitarian safeguards: NGOs such as Caritas Italia and Migrant Workers’ Alliance provided translation services and basic medical checks during the detention period.

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Real‑World Example: Olive Grove in Priverno

• Owner: Giovanni Bianchi,proprietor of “oliveira priverno”.
• Violation: Employed 9 undocumented workers from Romania and Albania, paying €3 / hour (below the statutory €9.50).
• Outcome:

1. Fine: €120,000 (unpaid wages €72,000 + sanctions €48,000).
2. Deportation: 5 workers deported; 4 granted humanitarian residence permits after proving coercion.

3 Re‑inspection: Mandatory compliance audit scheduled for 30 days later, overseen by the Istituto Nazionale per l’Analisi delle Politiche Agricole (INAPA).

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Benefits of Strict Enforcement for the Agricultural Sector

• improved market reputation – compliance with EU labor standards boosts export eligibility.
• Reduced turnover – fair wages and safe conditions lower absenteeism by up to 22 %.
• Access to subsidies – eligible for the Fondo di Sviluppo Rural only if labor regulations are met.
• lower legal risk – proactive audits cut potential fines by an estimated 68 % compared to post‑violation penalties.

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Practical tips for Farm Owners to Stay Compliant

1. Maintain an updated employee registry

• Record name, nationality, contract type, and working hours in the Registro Unico del Lavoro Agricolo.
• Implement a wage audit every quarter
• Compare payroll data against the Contratto Collettivo Nazionale di Lavoro (CCNL) Agricoltura.
• Provide mandatory safety training
• Issue a Certificato di Formazione for each worker; retain copies for at least 5 years.
• Partner with a certified payroll service
• Outsource payroll to avoid calculation errors and ensure automatic tax withholdings.
• Establish a whistle‑blower channel
• Anonymous reporting system (e‑mail/phone) to surface hidden violations before inspections.

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NGOs & Government Agencies: Coordination Highlights

• Caritas Italia – offered emergency accommodation for displaced workers; filed 3 formal complaints on illegal recruitment agencies.
• Ministero del Lavoro e delle Politiche Sociali – announced a €2 million grant to support “fair‑farm” certification programs across Lazio.
• European Commission – DG Employment – cited the Priverno/Latina operation as a “best‑practice model” for tackling rural labor exploitation.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	answer
Can a farm owner appeal a fine?	Yes – an appeal must be filed within 30 days at the Tribunale Amministrativo Regionale (TAR) with supporting documentation.
what happens if a worker refuses deportation?	The individual may be placed in detenzione amministrativa pending a final decision; legal counsel is mandatory.
Are temporary work agencies liable?	Agencies that facilitate illegal hires face fines up to €200,000 and possible revocation of operating licenses.
How does the “green‑label” certification relate to labor standards?	The Etichetta Verde program now includes a labor‑compliance clause; farms lacking proper contracts cannot receive the label.
Will the fines affect the price of produce?	Short‑term price adjustments may occur, but EU subsidies offset increased operational costs for compliant farms.

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Key Takeaway for Readers

• Compliance isn’t optional: The recent Carabinieri crackdown demonstrates that ignoring labor laws leads to severe financial penalties, loss of workforce, and criminal charges.
• Proactive measures pay off: Investing in proper documentation, safety training, and transparent payroll systems protects both workers and farm profitability.

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Prepared by drpriyadeshmukh, Content Writer – Archyde.com