Courts / Dublin / Report

Security firm's 'systematic exploitation' of migrant workers likened to 'modern slavery'

Date
2026-02-06

Stage
Charge Or Pretrial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

A security company, BGS Security Ltd, accused of the 'systematic exploitation' of vulnerable migrant workers, has been likened to a 'modern slavery' operation by trade union SIPTU. Former employees, including James Ajibola, have brought complaints against the company, which is now in liquidation. The company was found to have systematically failed to pay wages to mainly migrant workers from Africa and Asia, while white Irish or European employees in supervisory roles were paid. SIPTU representatives argued that the company's actions constituted racial discrimination. The liquidator, Thomas Musiol, said there were over 50 similar cases and that the company's director had disappeared. The tribunal was told that some workers had no social welfare contributions, creating ambiguity about whether unpaid wages could be paid from the Employers' Insolvency Fund. The case is ongoing, with the adjudication officer to write to the parties with his decision in due course.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Security firm's 'systematic exploitation' of migrant workers likened to 'modern slavery'. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When: