Original source translated using googletranslate.com: 20 women and 4 men were found in ‘degrading conditions’ and subjected to ‘exhaustive days’ described as similar to slavery (according to art. 149 of the Penal Code). They were held in sexual exploitation and debt bondage at a nightclub in the “Zero KM” region of Mato Grosso. All the survivors were between 18 and 23 years old. They did not receive the paid weekly rest required by law, and their salary was paid in “chips” which could be exchanged for overpriced products from the store in the club. Some workers had signed contracts which meant that they could not leave the premises until their debt had been paid. The women lived in overcrowded conditions with poor ventilation and fire protection. The sanitary conditions were inadequate and did not comply with hygiene standards.
Location
Brazil · Várzea Grande - Mato Grosso · 2010
(location generalized to protect survivors) Response & intervention
The owner of the nightclub was issued with 21 notices and she was notified to pay the labor funds totaling more than $ 331 000.
This “Zero Km” region had been investigated 4 months before due to a complaint of child labor. On this occasion, an operation was undertaken by a collaboration of groups including the Civil Police, Municipal Guard, and the Protection Council. Also present were members of the State Secretariat of Justice and Public Safety (Sejusp) and the State Commission for the Eradication of Slave Labor in Mato Grosso.
Unknown The survivors were instructed to return to their home countries and were compensated with ‘Unemployment Insurance for Rescued Workers’.
Documented on the original SlaveryMap (2008–2016). We don't have a verifiable source on file yet — use “Report a problem” below to add one.