They Worked on Construction Sites in Norway. The Court Revealed How Much Money Their Employers Stole
Norwegian media uncovered the stories of foreign workers who, according to the court, were robbed of NOK 767,000 in wages. They worked in the construction industry in Norway. Their former supervisors were convicted of serious wage theft and other legal violations.
The case concerns the construction and renovation industry.
Fot. Fotolia
The case concerns construction work carried out in Østfold, Oslo, and Akershus. The Follo and Northern Østfold District Court found that Remigijus Daugela and a man from Estonia were behind the crimes. Both received prison sentences. The court also revoked their right to conduct business.
Wage Theft in Norwegian Construction. Seven Workers Won in Court
Sergiu Tincaburov from Moldova says he is very happy. In 2023, he told NRK editors that workers did not have money for food. In the spring and summer, they renovated bathrooms, painted houses, and performed other construction work. According to the court, they were not paid a total of NOK 767,000 in wages.
The Estonian's defense attorney, Abdelilah Saeme, claims the case should have been settled as a civil dispute over unpaid wages. His client told the court that some money was withheld because the work was either unfinished or done incorrectly. The court did not believe this version. Police prosecutor Isak Dammann stated that the verdict highlights the seriousness of wage theft.
The Estonian's defense attorney, Abdelilah Saeme, claims the case should have been settled as a civil dispute over unpaid wages. His client told the court that some money was withheld because the work was either unfinished or done incorrectly. The court did not believe this version. Police prosecutor Isak Dammann stated that the verdict highlights the seriousness of wage theft.
Each worker lost tens of thousands of Norwegian kroner.Photo: Adobe Stock, standard license
Former Bosses Sentenced
The crimes described in the verdict were said to have lasted from 2020 until autumn 2025. They concerned construction companies in Østfold, Oslo, and Akershus, which are now bankrupt. The workers identified Daugela as the actual main boss. The Estonian was described as someone lower in the hierarchy.
Other names appeared in public records as management, including a wife, partner, friend, and employee. The court found these were front people. Daugela was also convicted of tax evasion amounting to NOK 1.36 million, lack of accounting in six companies, unsafe working conditions, fraud against a client, and knowingly not paying for building materials.
Daugela received a sentence of two years and one month in prison. The Estonian was sentenced to one year and two months in prison. His lawyer announced an appeal. Daugela’s lawyer, Gaute Nilsen, said he would first discuss the 86-page verdict with his client.
Fair Play bygg in Oslo and the surrounding area, as well as Kirkens Bymisjon, helped the workers with contacting institutions, food, housing, and reporting the case. Lars Mamen from Fair Play bygg said that information from the workers was crucial for the entire proceedings. The convicted men must pay nearly NOK 240,000 in compensation to seven workers. Sergiu Tincaburov is to receive NOK 65,000 and says he will give part of the money to his daughter and mother.
Other names appeared in public records as management, including a wife, partner, friend, and employee. The court found these were front people. Daugela was also convicted of tax evasion amounting to NOK 1.36 million, lack of accounting in six companies, unsafe working conditions, fraud against a client, and knowingly not paying for building materials.
Daugela received a sentence of two years and one month in prison. The Estonian was sentenced to one year and two months in prison. His lawyer announced an appeal. Daugela’s lawyer, Gaute Nilsen, said he would first discuss the 86-page verdict with his client.
Fair Play bygg in Oslo and the surrounding area, as well as Kirkens Bymisjon, helped the workers with contacting institutions, food, housing, and reporting the case. Lars Mamen from Fair Play bygg said that information from the workers was crucial for the entire proceedings. The convicted men must pay nearly NOK 240,000 in compensation to seven workers. Sergiu Tincaburov is to receive NOK 65,000 and says he will give part of the money to his daughter and mother.
Sergiu Tincaburov is currently working in the Netherlands. His attorney, Ivar André Holm, fears that the convicted men may not have the means to pay the compensation. Therefore, he intends to apply for wage guarantee from the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (Nav).
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