Finland: Thai berry pickers allegedly subject to forced labour & trafficking; CEO of Arctic Group arrested in police investigation; incl. co response
It is suspected that the Thai berry pickers were recruited to work in Finland, but after deductions by employers they were without earnings, or even in debt to the company.Yle News, "Dozens of Thai berry pickers believed victims of traffickers".
In October 2023, Yle News released an article alleging around 20-30 Thai berry pickers were subjected to forced labour and trafficking in Päijät-Häme, Kainuu and North Karelia, according to Helsinki Police’s national Human Trafficking Unit.
The article alleges some of the workers were ‘without earnings, or even in debt to the company’ after deductions by employers. Four suspects have been arrested, one of whom is the CEO of Finnish fruit and vegetable company Arctic Group.
The case is currently under investigation.
In November 2023, the Resource Centre invited Arctic Group to outline its relationship to the Thai migrants whose rights have been violated, and to outline how it prevents labour rights violations, forced labour, and trafficking in its operations and supply chains. Arctic Group's response is provided in full below.