Ostrobothnia District Court in Finland on Monday began its examination of a human trafficking case which centers on Vietnamese citizens brought to Finland for work.
The prosecution alleges that a Vietnamese overseer brought workers from their native country to the Finnish city Närpiö, where they were forced to work in a greenhouse, Yle reported on Monday September 2.
The Vietnamese supervisor is accused of human trafficking and of ill-treating the workers.
The man is suspected of luring seven people from Vietnam to Finland with the promise of a secure job and a good salary. However, the alleged victims were forced to pay money to the accused while still on home soil, and had forced-labour-type conditions inflicted on them once in Finland.
The prosecution and the plaintiffs, who consist of both Vietnamese men and women, are demanding compensation for overwork and personal suffering. The alleged trafficking of human beings is to have taken place in Närpiö between 2008-2012.
Also, the Närpiö-based greenhouse entrepreneur is accused of discrimination in the workplace. Amongst other penalties, he faces a15,000 euro fine.
The court has reserved a total of three days for the trial.
