Uncensored.si - Foreign workers trapped in the factory of an entrepreneur who has been hounded by the inspection for yearsThe article reports on Benjamin Kropec, owner of the company Odpad Bistrica, who has been under scrutiny for years due to illegal waste storage in Slovenj Gradec. Recently, he was linked to an investigation involving an illegal tobacco factory in Lendava, where over 30 Paraguayans were reportedly forced into deplorable working conditions. Kropec claims he was unaware of the illegal activities at the facility, stating he had leased the industrial halls to another company. The article highlights his ongoing legal issues and the potential involvement of other parties in the case.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the situation as a result of systemic failures by the owner, emphasizing the exploitation of foreign workers and highlighting the lack of oversight. It focuses on the illegal actions of the private entity and the broader implications for labor rights and environmental regulation,
VečerIndependent🔒Progressive1 hr. agoAn illegal cigarette factory was discovered in Trimlini near Lendava, Slovenia, where 34 workers, mostly men from Paraguay and one from Bulgaria, were found living in dehumanizing conditions without pay, deprived of their phones, and isolated from the outside world. The owner of the facility, Benjamin Kropec, is linked to the company 'Odpad Bistrica,' which has been operating without proper permits for years and has repeatedly violated environmental regulations. Kropec allegedly purchased the factory in 2023 and transferred ownership to a U.S.-based company, though he claims he was unaware of the illegal cigarette production. Authorities have investigated him, but no arrest has been made yet. The workers were reportedly found by police, who described them as relieved to be rescued.
Bias read (Progressive): The article highlights exploitation of foreign laborers, environmental violations, and corporate misconduct by a private individual, suggesting systemic issues with regulation enforcement and corporate accountability. The tone emphasizes the victims' suffering and criticizes the lack of oversight, a
Svet24IndependentProgressive4 hr. agoThe owner of the largest illegal cigarette factory in Slovenia, Benjamin Kropec, has been under investigation for years due to illegal waste storage. Kropec is the owner of the company 'Odpad Bistrica,' which has been illegally accumulating waste in the center of Slovenska Bistrica for many years despite repeated warnings from inspectors. The property in Lendava where the illegal cigarette factory operated was purchased by Kropec's company in 2023 but later transferred to an offshore entity in Wyoming, which is believed to be controlled by Kropec. Kropec is now under investigation by the National Investigative Office (NPU) for alleged involvement in illegal cigarette production, human trafficking, and tax evasion. He denies any knowledge of the alleged activities.
Bias read (Progressive): The article highlights ongoing legal actions against a private individual for environmental and criminal violations, focusing on regulatory enforcement and corporate accountability. The framing emphasizes systemic issues like illegal waste management and potential corruption, suggesting criticism of
Slovenia
