Indian-American couple convicted of trafficking relative's labor | Crime News

The couple, fueled by greed and a complete disregard for human dignity, lured the victim to the United States with false promises of educational opportunities.

Representational image. (Photo credit: Pixabay)

A chilling story of exploitation and broken promises has unfolded in a US courtroom, culminating in the conviction of an Indian-American couple for their cruel treatment of a young relative. Harmanpreet Singh and Kulbir Kaur, who have since divorced, were convicted of forcing the victim, Singh's cousin, into years of hard labor at their gas station and convenience store.

The couple, fueled by greed and a complete disregard for human dignity, lured the victim to the United States with false promises of educational opportunities. Their true intentions, however, were to exploit her helplessness for their own gain. “The defendants exploited their relationship with the victim to lure her to the United States with false promises that they would help her enroll in school,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

The court heard harrowing details of the abuse suffered by the victim. He was deprived of his liberty, subjected to grueling 12- to 17-hour workdays with minimal pay, and deprived of basic necessities like adequate food, medical care, and education. He was subjected to physical violence, threats and intimidation, all orchestrated to ensure his continued servitude.

The court sentenced Singh to 11.25 years and Kaur to 7.25 years in prison, along with a hefty compensation of USD 225,210.76 (Rs 1.87 crore approx) to the victim.

“The defendants confiscated the victim's immigration documents and subjected him to threats, physical force and mental abuse to force him to work long hours for minimal pay,” she said. declared.

“This sentence should send a strong message that this forced labor will not be tolerated in our communities,” she added.
U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber of the Eastern District of Virginia said the defendants relied on the victim's sincere desire to access an education and improve her life.

The couple's manipulative tactics included confiscating the victim's immigration documents, forcing him to marry Kaur, and threatening harm to his family if he dared to escape.