Indian American Couple Sentenced for Enslaving Worker at Gas Station for Over Three Years

HI INDIA NEWS DESK
VIRGINIA- An Indian Ameriican Virginia couple was sentenced for compelling the labor of the man’s younger cousin at their gas station and convenience store for over three years. Harmanpreet Singh, 31, received 135 months in prison, and Kulbir Kaur, 43, got 87 months. They were ordered to pay $225,210.76 in restitution to the victim.

The couple lured the victim to the U.S. with false promises of education. They confiscated his immigration documents, subjected him to threats, physical force, and mental abuse, and forced him to work long hours for minimal pay. The victim, then a minor, was compelled to work between 12 to 17 hours a day and was subjected to physical and psychological abuse, including threats with a revolver.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke emphasized the severity of their exploitation and the commitment to enforcing human trafficking laws. U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber highlighted the inhumanity of their actions, which deprived the victim of basic needs and freedom. The FBI’s Michael Nordwall reiterated the bureau’s dedication to combating forced labor trafficking.

The FBI Richmond Field Office investigated the case, and it was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Avi Panth and Peter S. Duffey, and Trial Attorney Matthew Thiman.

Human trafficking information can be reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.