Milan court upholds judicial oversight of US builder Caddell Construction over labour abuse allegations
A Milan judge upheld judicial control over the Italian arm of US-based Caddell Construction on Tuesday, following an investigation into alleged worker exploitation at the new US consulate construction site. The court found evidence that Indian workers were recruited through intermediaries and subjected to exhausting shifts, low pay, unsafe conditions, and dismissal threats, characterizing the treatment as systematic corporate practice rather than isolated incidents. The case represents part of Italy's broader crackdown on labour exploitation and involves a $210 million consulate project originally scheduled to finish in 2025 but now delayed to 2028.
A Milan court judge upheld an emergency judicial control measure imposed on May 29 over Caddell Construction's Italian subsidiary, which is under investigation for alleged labour abuse at the US consulate construction site. In a 38-page ruling, the judge found evidence that the company recruited Indian workers through intermediaries and subjected them to exhausting shifts, underpayment, lack of safety protections, and threats of dismissal—characterizing this treatment as systematic corporate practice rather than occasional misconduct. The court appointed a judicial administrator to work alongside company management and report every three months to ensure labour law compliance and workforce regularization. Caddell Construction, an Alabama-based firm specializing in large-scale projects including US embassy and military facility contracts, stated it was cooperating with authorities and conducting its own inquiry. Milan prosecutors arrested the head of Caddell's Italian branch and one supervisor of the Indian workers shortly after imposing the measure. The US State Department confirmed cooperation with Italian authorities and stated zero tolerance for labour exploitation.
What different sources said
- The Straits TimesCenter
Judge upholds oversight of US consulate builder in Milan over labour probe
Related
UK Government to Extend Shop Closure Powers to 12 Months Following BBC Investigation into Illegal Mini-Marts
The UK government announced new powers allowing authorities to close illegal mini-marts, barbers, and vape shops for up to 12 months, doubling the current maximum closure period of six months. The change follows a BBC News investigation exposing drug gangs, money laundering, and other organized crime linked to shops selling illegal cigarettes, vapes, and drugs on British high streets. The measure aims to give investigators more time to gather evidence and prevent rogue operators from quickly reopening, with support from Trading Standards officers who have long lacked sufficient enforcement tools.
Belfast Residents Evacuate as Disorder Erupts Following Knife Attack
Residents in Belfast have been forced to flee their homes as cars and houses are set on fire following a knife attack in north Belfast on Monday night. A 30-year-old Sudanese man has been charged with attempted murder, while a victim remains hospitalized with serious injuries. The disorder has prompted police to call for calm as sporadic violence breaks out across Northern Ireland.
Russian General Killed in Moscow Car Bombing; Ukraine War Escalates with Drone Attacks and EU Sanctions
Damir Davydov, head of Russia's missile and artillery supply operations, was killed in a car explosion in the Moscow region on Tuesday morning, according to officials. The attack occurs amid intensifying Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian infrastructure and military leadership, though Ukraine has not claimed responsibility. The incident underscores the ongoing conflict's expansion into Russian territory and comes as the EU proposes its 21st sanctions package targeting Russian banks and military production.