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Virginia couple convicted for forced labor
The couple forced their cousin to work at their store between March 2018 and May 2021
Representative image / image - iStock
An Indian-origin couple has been convicted by a federal jury in the Eastern District of Virginia of conspiracy to commit forced labor, harboring for financial gain, and document servitude in connection with their operation of a gas station and convenience store in North Chesterfield, Virginia.
The case against Richmond-based Harmanpreet Singh (30) and Kulbir Kaur (43), was investigated by the FBI Richmond Field Office.
Virginia Man and Woman Convicted of Forced Labor at Gas Station and Convenience Store for Multiple Yearshttps://t.co/gDiOfxOHOT pic.twitter.com/E1EivDM4oP
— DOJ Civil Rights Division (@CivilRights) January 22, 2024
As per the US Department of Justice, Singh and Kaur forced the victim, Singh's cousin, to provide labor and services at their store, including working as the cashier, preparing food, cleaning, and managing store records, between March 2018 and May 2021.
The couple indulged in various coercive means, including confiscating the victim’s immigration documents and subjecting him to physical abuse, threats of force and other serious harm, and degrading living conditions to compel him to work extensive hours for minimal pay.
In 2018, they enticed the victim, who was then a minor, to travel to the US with false promises of enrolling him in school. After arriving in the US, the defendants took his immigration documents and immediately put him to work.
The court took note of the evidence showing Singh pulling the victim’s hair, slapping, and kicking him when he requested his immigration documents and tried to leave. Singh also reportedly threatened the victim with a revolver on three different occasions for trying to take a day off and leave.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the US Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, said, “The defendants exploited the victim’s trust and his desire to attend school in the United States, and then inflicted physical and mental abuse against him, all so they could keep him working for their profit."
US Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia stressed that the defendants "engaged in an egregious bait-and-switch, luring the victim with false promises."
“Forced labor and human trafficking are abhorrent crimes that have no place in our society, and I am grateful to our team of prosecutors, agents, and support staff for ensuring that justice was done in this case," Aber added.
“Today’s convictions demonstrate the FBI’s commitment to seeking justice for victims of human trafficking and should also serve as a reminder to those who seek to engage in this illegal activity,” said Special Agent in Charge Stanley M. Meador of the FBI Richmond Field Office.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 8, 2024. The couple faces a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison, up to five years of supervised release, a fine of up to US$ 250,000, and mandatory restitution for the forced labor charge.
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