Geneva, Switzerland (Sarhind Times) – In a landmark ruling, a Swiss court has sentenced four members of the Hinduja family to up to four and a half years in prison for exploiting domestic workers at their luxurious lakeside villa in Geneva. The criminal court, however, acquitted the billionaire family members of charges related to illegal human trafficking. The trial, which has garnered international attention, highlighted severe labor abuses involving mostly illiterate Indian workers.
Summary of the Verdict
On Friday, the Geneva criminal court found Prakash Hinduja, his wife, son, and daughter-in-law guilty of exploiting workers and providing unauthorized employment. Despite these convictions, the court dismissed the human trafficking charges, stating that the staff had understood the conditions they were agreeing to. The sentencing saw the family patriarch, Prakash Hinduja, along with his close relatives, receive prison terms, while a fifth defendant, the family’s business manager Najib Ziazi, was given an 18-month suspended sentence.
Details of the Exploitation
The Hinduja family, long-term residents of Switzerland, faced accusations of confiscating workers’ passports, restricting their movement, and subjecting them to excessively long working hours for meager wages. The court heard that workers, including cooks and house help, often worked up to 18 hours a day, with minimal vacation time. They were paid less than one-tenth of the legal minimum wage in Switzerland and were often forced to sleep in the villa’s basement under deplorable conditions.
Financial and Legal Repercussions
Swiss authorities have already seized various assets from the family, including diamonds, rubies, and a platinum necklace, to cover legal fees and potential penalties. The family also reached an undisclosed settlement with the plaintiffs last week. A separate tax case against Prakash Hinduja is still pending, as he obtained Swiss citizenship in 2000. The Hinduja family, comprising Prakash and his three brothers, heads a vast industrial conglomerate with an estimated net worth of approximately $20 billion according to Forbes magazine.
Prosecutor’s Scathing Critique
Swiss prosecutor Yves Bertossa presented a damning case against the Hinduja family, revealing that they allegedly spent more money on their pet dog than on one of their servants. He pointed to budget documents showing that the family spent 8,584 Swiss francs annually on their dog, while paying one servant as little as 7 Swiss francs ($7.84) for a grueling 18-hour workday. The prosecutor described a “climate of fear” instituted by Kamal Hinduja, adding that staff contracts lacked specifications for working hours or days off, demanding availability as needed by the employers.
Workers’ Plight
Many of the exploited workers spoke only Hindi and received their wages in Indian rupees in inaccessible bank accounts back home. With their passports confiscated and no Swiss francs to spend, they were unable to leave the house without their employer’s permission, severely limiting their freedom.
Conclusion
The sentencing of the Hinduja family members marks a significant step in addressing labor exploitation by affluent families. It also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by domestic workers worldwide, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds. As the legal proceedings continue, including the pending tax case against Prakash Hinduja, the spotlight remains on ensuring justice and fair treatment for all workers.
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