The recent conviction of Harmanpreet Singh, 30, and Kulbir Kaur, 43, an Indian American couple, has shed light on the disturbing reality of forced labor within their gas station and convenience store in Virginia. The federal jurys decision, following a two-week trial, highlights the severity of the charges, with the couple facing a maximum penalty of 20 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.Background of the Indian American coupleHarmanpreet Singh and Kulbir Kaur, the defendants in this case, owned and operated a gas station and convenience store, where they exploited their own cousin, forcing him into labor under appalling conditions. The victim, a minor at the time of his travel to the US in 2018, was forced to work at the couples gas station and convenience store. Singh and Kaur confiscated his immigration documents, subjected him to physical and mental abuse, and created degrading living conditions to compel him to work extensive hours for minimal pay.The sentencing of the couple, both of whom face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release, a fine of up to USD 250,000, and mandatory restitution for the forced labor charge, will be determined later. The Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke emphasized that the Singh couple exploited the victims trust and subjected him to abuse, all for their financial gain.Attorney Jessica D Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia condemned the defendants for engaging in a bait-and-switch, promising the victim education in the US but subjecting him to harsh working conditions and abuse. Aber highlighted that forced labor and human trafficking have no place in society, expressing gratitude to the prosecution team for ensuring justice in the case.The court documents revealed that the defendants not only deprived the victim of basic necessities but also physically assaulted him for attempting to leave or requesting his immigration documents. The evidence presented during the trial showcased the severity of the exploitation, including instances where Singh threatened the victim with a revolver for attempting to take a day off or leave.
