No punishment for human trafficking in Kuurn’s restaurant

The labor prosecutor had demanded a 15-month effective prison sentence. But the owner has now been acquitted.

Chinese hidden

The inspection services had the feeling that they were being held up during checks at a restaurant in Kuurne. Therefore, on March 12, 2017, they returned with an order from the investigating judge. Grease stains on a green door in the children’s play area aroused suspicion. Behind the door, the detectives discovered a dirty room with shower and sink. In a second room they found a double bed and men’s clothes.

It turned out that a Chinese man in his thirties was hiding in the false ceiling between the pipes. The undocumented man was frightened by the owners, but at first was unable to make a statement. He later explained that he had been brought to Europe by snakeheads, a term for Chinese people smugglers.

Research dragged on for a long time

According to labor prosecutor Jeroen Lorré, there was clearly human trafficking through economic exploitation. The victim mainly had to wash and brush the dishes at night. In total he worked about 74 hours a week, but for 33 days of work he was paid only 900 euros. “He had to hide during a check and should have handed over his passport,” said Jeroen Lorré.

On the other hand, the labor inspectorate acknowledged that the investigation had dragged on too long. The defense argued in vain that there was no question of human trafficking. Master Maarten Vandermeersch successfully argued that the reasonable term had been exceeded. The judge followed that view and decided not to impose a sentence on the defendant.