Human trafficking trial in Lapland District Court exposes exploitation of Thai berry pickers in Finland

The police investigation materials related to a significant human trafficking case highlight numerous issues regarding the treatment of Thai berry pickers. The trial began on Monday at the Lapland District Court with a preparatory session. According to the prosecutor, the pickers were effectively subjected to forced labor and degrading conditions in Finland.

The pickers relied heavily on berry companies, with little opportunity to leave the country or sell berries independently, despite this being legally permissible. The prosecutor noted that upon their arrival in Finland, the camp staff collected the pickers’ passports and return flight tickets, a practice that the pickers were forced to consent to by signing pre-prepared agreements. This removal of documents aimed to keep them at the camp for continued berry picking. In defense, it was claimed these practices were only implemented at the pickers’ request.

Interviews with the pickers revealed that food at the camps was often monotonous and stored unsanitarily. Meals, such as boiled chicken feet and fish heads, were prepared in advance and kept in large buckets. Despite the poor quality, pickers were charged between 500 and 600 euros throughout the season. Fear of penalties for not picking enough berries or excessive complaints added to their distress.

The prosecutor alleges that the former CEO of Polarica Marjahankinta Oy and his Thai business partner misled the pickers during recruitment about potential earnings and working conditions. Further, the investigation indicated that false scales were used during berry weight assessments, with pickers too intimidated to report discrepancies. Some were even prohibited from criticizing their conditions in front of outsiders, reinforcing the environment of control and fear in which they operated.