LSM reported last week that police had detained chair of baked goods producer Adugs, Jāzeps Zukuls, on suspicion of human trafficking. Allegedly, the company had exploited foreign workers at the baked goods company, using their helplessness, forcing them into material dependency, making threats and harming them physically.
“We categorically reject the allegations on behalf of the company. We certify that Adugs Production has carried out all the necessary activities, which are determined by the regulations in force in Latvia in relation to the employment of foreign workers,” the development manager said in a statement.
Lencberga said that the employees concerned had the necessary work visas and residence permits. She also pointed out that the employees received all the salary provided for in the contract of employment, stressing that the company fulfilled all the conditions laid down in the contract of employment.
The Adugs representative explained that the same working conditions were provided for all employees and that “in no way was their right to move restricted.”
