In recent years, the number of foreign workers in Romania has surged. State control institutions are overwhelmed, leaving the rights of non-EU workers at the discretion of employers. Often, foreign citizens promised a better life never set foot in Romania or arrive in vain. This year, the government has already approved , work permits for workers from outside the European Union, a significant increase from the 15, permits approved in Most of the jobs that are being promised are that for courier services for food delivery apps, such as Tazz, Glovo and Bolt, as these tend to be attractive jobs to foreign nationals, due to the simplicity of the work envolved.
At least five individuals from Nigeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, and Pakistan claim they paid sums ranging from a few hundred to thousands of euros to a Romanian recruitment agency, which promised them jobs as food delivery workers at another company owned by the same businessman.
Hyginus, a young man from Nigeria, paid an advance of euros on 16 May to Bogdan Poto's agency. After months of waiting, he received nothing of what was promised. Comments on Bogdan Poto's Facebook account reveal more details about his alleged fraudulent activities:.
Justus, another Nigerian living in Cluj, paid euros for his brother's employment but sensed something was wrong and stopped further payments. After months of delays, he demanded his money back, facing threats of legal action from Bogdan. Irfan, a Turkish citizen from Mersin, paid euros to work as a delivery driver in Cluj but faced continuous delays and ultimately received nothing.
Fakhrul Islam from Bangladesh paid an advance of euros per person for himself and four others but received nothing after six months. Rahman Sadikur and four compatriots arrived in Baia Mare through a recruitment company but found different jobs and salaries than promised. Eventually, Sadikur received a decision to return to Bangladesh. PressOne asked various authorities about sanctions or investigations against Bogdan Poto or his companies but received no relevant information.
