70 men freed from captivity in cigarette factories in Brazil, 33 traffickers arrested

The conditions in the four cigarette factories were utterly degrading.

Rodents and bugs infested the buildings, running through the walls of rooms where dozens of men were forced to work, sleep, and eat. With a lack of proper bathrooms, open sewage systems radiated choking smells. No one working there was allowed to leave, and their phones had been confiscated as soon as they arrived. 

The workers had been told they would be manufacturing clothing and receiving a dignified wage. That promise drew men from Paraguay into Brazil, hungry with hope.

Instead, the factory owners forced them to roll cigarettes 12 hours a day, seven days a week, without any protective equipment. Their basic needs for food and sleep were neglected. They were not even being paid. Their captivity truly represented conditions aligned with modern-day slavery.

The conditions in the four cigarette factories where factory owners forced workers to roll cigarettes were utterly degrading. (Image representative.)

Fortunately, local law enforcement had been trained by The Exodus Road to recognize situations like this and understand their severity. Even though a corrupt law enforcement officer was involved in facilitating the shady operation, trustworthy police partners pursued the case with a tenacious commitment to the truth.

As a result, 70 men were freed from these four horrifically exploitative factories. 33 traffickers were taken into custody and are facing serious charges for their crimes.

If not for The Exodus Road’s community, these men would still be unjustly held in horrific conditions. Thank you for supporting their freedom!

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