On June 21, 2024, four members of the Hinduja family, a wealthy and influential Indian dynasty, were convicted of exploiting underpaid servants at their Geneva villa. Ajay Hinduja, his wife Namrata, and his parents Prakash and Kamal were found guilty of paying Indian-hired staff significantly less than the standard wages in Switzerland, as stated by Judge Sabina Mascotto. Despite being Swiss citizens, the elder Hindujas cited poor health to avoid attending the trial, resulting in 4 1/2-year prison sentences, while Ajay and Namrata received 4-year sentences. All were acquitted of human trafficking.
The court heard that the servants were underpaid, unaware of local laws, had their passports confiscated, and were paid infrequently.
The Hinduja family claimed they had faith in the judicial process and filed an appeal against the ruling. The case, prosecuted by Geneva's top prosecutor Yves Bertossa, required the family to pay a reduced compensation of 850,000 Swiss francs and 270,000 francs in legal fees, due to a prior civil settlement with the staff.
The Hinduja family faced further scrutiny for employing staff without proper Swiss documentation and repeatedly renewing short-term visas to circumvent the authorities. Defense lawyers argued that recruitment was handled by the Hinduja Group in India and that Ajay was not involved in the employment details.
The prosecution's investigation began in 2018 after a tipoff led to raids on the villa and Hinduja Group's local businesses.
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Refrence: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/21/world/europe/hinduja-family-human-trafficking-trial.html
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