The National Police have arrested the manager of a hospitality business in Puerto del Rosario accused of continuously hiring individuals in irregular situations to cut costs. The operation, named Horneo, has resulted in the identification of eight foreign workers without contracts or registration with Social Security.
The manager of a hospitality business in Puerto del Rosario was arrested on July 10, accused of two crimes against workers' rights. The investigation, dubbed operation Horneo, has lasted over two years and has been carried out by the Local Brigade of Immigration and Borders in collaboration with the Labour and Social Security Inspectorate.
The inquiries began in 2024 and uncovered a system of irregular hiring of foreign citizens. During this period, agents conducted several inspections at two establishments owned by the businessman in Puerto del Rosario. In these checks, they identified eight foreign workers who lacked residence and work permits and were also not registered with Social Security.
Abusive working conditions and cash payments
Testimonies from several employees were crucial in revealing the conditions under which they worked. They performed tasks in customer service, cleaning, cooking, and baking but were paid between 30 and 55 euros a day or about 1,200 euros a month, always in cash. They worked without contracts, without contributions to Social Security, and without rights to holidays or other labour guarantees.
The Police claim that the businessman exploited the vulnerable situation of these workers to impose conditions that they could hardly refuse for fear of losing their jobs or being expelled from the country. One of the workers stated that she had been instructed to immediately leave the premises, hide her uniform, and deny any employment relationship if an inspection appeared.
Accumulated fines exceeding 139,000 euros
The investigation also reveals that the detainee had already accumulated several administrative violations related to labour and immigration regulations, which had resulted in fines exceeding 139,800 euros. Following the latest actions, he now faces a new proposed fine of 30,003 euros.
The businessman was arrested on July 10 and has already been placed at the disposal of the Court of Puerto del Rosario, where he will have to answer for the alleged crimes attributed to him. The operation Horneo remains open, and further actions are not ruled out.
For the residents of Fuerteventura, this case highlights the importance of reporting situations of labour exploitation. The National Police remind that one can contact the Immigration Brigade anonymously to alert about possible irregularities.
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