French Court Upholds Prison Sentence for Champagne Vineyard Labor Boss in Human Trafficking Case

A French appeals court has confirmed a prison sentence for human trafficking against the head of Anavim, a former vineyard labor contracting company in Champagne. The main defendant, a woman in her 40s originally from Kyrgyzstan, was sentenced to four years in prison, with two years suspended. She remains in custody. The court found her guilty of human trafficking, undeclared work, and employing foreigners without proper authorization.

Two of her associates, both in their 30s and mainly responsible for recruitment, received slightly reduced sentences on appeal. Each was given a one-year suspended prison term. The court also ordered the defendants to pay €4,000 to each of the 53 victims as compensation for moral damages.

The case centers on the 2023 grape harvest in Champagne. Most of the workers involved were undocumented migrants from Mali, Mauritania, Côte d'Ivoire, and Senegal. They were housed by Anavim in Nesle-le-Repons, southwest of Reims, in conditions described by labor inspectors as severely endangering their safety, health, and dignity. Inspectors found filthy and outdated sanitary facilities, dangerous electrical installations, and mattresses placed directly on the floor.

A group of about 30 victims traveled to court by bus to hear the verdict. Their lawyer, Maxime Cessieux, expressed satisfaction that the court recognized the charge of human trafficking. He said it was important because “these workers were treated like animals.” José Blanco, secretary general of the CGT Champagne union that has supported the workers since the beginning of the case, said the prison sentences were a step in the right direction. He noted that a major challenge remains with labor contractors based outside France who are not subject to French regulations.

The Interprofessional Committee of Champagne Wines (CIVC) was awarded €5,000 for damage to its reputation. Claims for unpaid wages will be addressed at a later hearing before a labor tribunal.

The vineyard owner who hired Anavim’s services, SARL Cerseuillat de la Gravelle, was acquitted on appeal.

This is not an isolated incident in Champagne’s seasonal labor sector. During the same 2023 harvest period, another case emerged involving about 40 Ukrainian seasonal workers living in similarly poor conditions. On January 28, 2026, the manager of that vineyard labor company was sentenced to three years in prison, with two years to be served. The company was fined €350,000.

These cases have drawn attention to ongoing issues with labor practices during Champagne’s harvest season and have prompted calls for stricter oversight of labor contractors operating in the region.