A Virginia man and woman have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Richmond for committing forced labor and alien harboring at their gas station and convenience store in North Chesterfield, Virginia.
The indictment, consisting of seven charges, alleges that Harmanpreet Singh, 30, and Kulbir Kaur, 42, subjected a victim to forced labor and exploitation over a period of more than three years, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia said in a statement.
According to courtfilings, the victim was forced to work at Singh’s gas station and convenience store from March 2018 to May 2021. The accused duo allegedly compelled the victim to undertake various tasks, including cashier duties, food preparation, cleaning, and record-keeping. The victim was reportedly made to work long hours for minimal pay and endured appalling living conditions during his time at the store.
The indictment further reveals that Singh and Kaur resorted to coercive measures to maintain control over the victim. They allegedly confiscated the victim’s immigration documents, subjected him to physical abuse, and threatened him with violence, all in an effort to keep him under their control and compel him to continue working at the store.
Moreover, the couple is also accused of harboring the victim after his visa had expired, with the primary motivation being financial gain. Additionally, they are facing charges related to bankruptcy fraud and fraudulent transfers in contemplation of bankruptcy.
If convicted, the accused could face severe penalties. The forced labor charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, along with a fine of up to $250,000 and mandatory restitution to the victim, according to the Justice Department (DOJ). A federal district court judge will determine the final sentence, taking into account various factors including the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, the DOJ added.
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