In Bern, a North Macedonian clan has raised a real scaffold mafia, as the “Rundschau” reports.
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SRF Rundschau
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2.13
They are shaking up the scaffolding business with low prices and illegal methods.
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SRF Rundschau
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3.13
The clan members boast tons of cash on social media, among other things.
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SRF Rundschau
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13/13
The SRF reporters were threatened during their research.
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In Bern, the Aliens Police have targeted a family clan. As the “Rundschau” reported on Wednesday that it is operating shady scaffolding companies. For years, the clan has been spreading around the city, mixing up the business with low prices and illegal methods.
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The clan is supposed to forge ID cards, hire illegal workers and not pay wages. If the company goes downhill, they file for bankruptcy and simply start a new company. Around 40 men, originally from North Macedonia, are said to belong to the clan – practically all of them come from the same village.
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Bragging about money – don’t pay wages
On social media, the clan members brag about houses, cars and lots of cash – while former employees are still waiting for their wages. Because of such posts, the authorities first became aware of the clan.
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Many of their employees work illegally in Switzerland, sometimes only get fictitious employment contracts. Social security and accident insurance are not included. Sometimes there is simply no wages.
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As well as at Hasan Obey. One of these companies still owes the scaffolding engineer CHF 8,000 – the pay slip was written by hand on a note. Obey has now filed a complaint. In such cases or when business is not going well, the bosses simply let their company go bankrupt. Then they start a new company and start the game all over again.
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“Start-ups are not illegal”
A 32-year-old Macedonian stands out in this regard. Since 2006 he has founded nine scaffolding companies – all went bankrupt! One of them even only existed for half a year, namely during the construction season. In the meantime, he has stacked up half a million Swiss francs.
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Manuel Rohrer is the lawyer for the 32-year-old man. He told the Rundschau: “Building a new company after bankruptcy is not prohibited by law.” He is not satisfied with the TV report. That his client is portrayed as a high-ranking clan member is not true. Nevertheless: there are twelve advertisements against him. “Most of them are advertisements for driving too fast,” his lawyer puts into perspective.
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SRF reporter under threat
During their research, the reporters on Swiss television were threatened. After an unannounced visit to the 32-year-old Macedonian, they were initially insulted. Then they were urged to release the footage – you can see that on the show too.
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A former employee who is still waiting for his wages was also threatened. When he filed a complaint, clan members threatened to beat him. He didn’t want to pose in front of the camera out of fear. (Bra)