Albanian migrant workers face wage fraud allegations linked to Tekno Fire in Denmark

A new documentary has revealed that numerous Albanian migrant workers are repaying thousands in wages to their employers in Albania each month, contravening regulations. These workers are employed under a salary scheme mandating a minimum monthly wage of 40,000 kroner. However, investigations have disclosed that many have been instructed to return portions of their pay back in Albania. According to a labor union representative, the extent of wage fraud is reportedly more severe than previously acknowledged.

The issues are linked to the Albanian firm Tekno Fire, which employs workers on high-profile construction projects, including the Storstrøm Bridge and major hospital facilities. The documentary employs undercover footage to illustrate that systematic wage repayment appears to be a common practice among employees earmarked for these projects.

Union representatives have expressed outrage, asserting that there are even more Albanian workers affected by these dubious practices. Investigations over the past year have revealed that many workers recount illegal repayment schemes.

Moreover, prior to the documentary’s release, the lead contractor, Itinera, took action after being informed of the allegations against Tekno Fire, resulting in the dismissal of 270 Albanian workers from projects with a total budget of 18 billion kroner.

Evidence presented in the documentary shows an undercover reporter meeting with Tekno Fire’s office, where he was asked to return 15,000 kroner earned in Denmark, averaging a repayment of about 9,000 kroner monthly. Concerns have been raised about the potential loss to the economy, with estimates suggesting that if each worker returns significant amounts, the total could exceed 73 million kroner.

The owners of Tekno Fire deny knowledge of the alleged fraud and have suspended relevant staff while promising an investigation into the situation. Nonetheless, they acknowledge that paying employees less than the mandated salary is illegal.