Investigation opened into alleged confinement of workers at Cipriani Hotel and Casino project

The Prosecutor's Office in Maldonado, Uruguay, has ordered investigative measures following allegations that nine Peruvian construction workers were confined at a residence linked to a construction site after working hours at the Cipriani Resort, Residences & Casino project.

The incident was reported at a construction site in Punta del Este, where workers alleged they were prevented from leaving the property by chains, padlocks and security barriers. According to police reports, officers responded to the scene and found multiple entrances secured with chains and padlocks on both iron and wooden gates.

The National Construction Union, Sunca, filed formal complaints with the Ministry of Labor and local police after workers employed by construction company Wassy documented their situation in a video shared on social media. The footage shows locked gates while one worker describes the conditions.

Gustavo Eoque, one of the affected workers, said: "We are locked up, what have we done to him? What does he have against us? One wants to go buy something, a pill and a soda and nothing. Everything is locked, on all sides."

Michel Pistone, General Secretary of Sunca Maldonado, said: "The owner of the company was the one who managed this type of conduct. When he left, what they tell us is that he would padlock a gate, like a fence, and leave the colleagues inside the house."

Police confirmed that two workers reported being confined by their employer, while four others on the premises denied the allegations, stating the security measures were implemented for preventive reasons.

Cipriani issued a statement sent to local media clarifying that it does not hire or manage construction workers directly and that labor practices fall under the responsibility of Criba SA and its subcontractors. The company rejected any practices that violate human rights, including labor and union rights, and stated it is willing to cooperate with authorities.

The workers are employed by Wassy, a subcontractor performing stone cladding and roofing work on the former Hotel San Rafael site, which is being redeveloped into a casino resort complex. The project includes the reconstruction of the historic hotel and the construction of three residential towers, with an estimated investment of $400m.

The Prosecutor's Office ordered authorities to notify the Peruvian Embassy and the Ministry of Labor. Police removed the security barriers to allow workers to exit the property, while investigations into the incident remain ongoing.