Burlington Co. Couple Convicted of Forced Labor, Human Trafficking

CAMDEN, N.J. – A Burlington County, New Jersey, couple, Bolaji Bolarinwa, 50, and Isiaka Bolarinwa, 67, were convicted of forced labor and human trafficking crimes in a federal court in Camden, New Jersey.

The couple was found guilty of two counts of forced labor, one count of alien harboring for financial gain, and two counts of document servitude. They were each acquitted of a second count of alien harboring for financial gain.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the couple recruited two victims to come to the United States, promising them a life and education in exchange for domestic labor and childcare services. However, the victims were subjected to physical abuse, psychological abuse, and forced to work around-the-clock for nearly a year.

“These defendants engaged in an egregious bait-and-switch, luring the victims with false promises of a life and an education in the United States, and instead subjected them to grueling hours, physical abuse and psychological abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger. “Forced labor and human trafficking are abhorrent crimes that have no place in our society, and I am grateful to our team of prosecutors, agents and support staff for ensuring that justice was done in this case.”

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said, “The defendants exploited the victims’ trust and then inflicted physical and mental abuse against them, all so they could keep the victims working for their profit. Human trafficking is a heinous crime, and this verdict should send the very clear message that the Justice Department will investigate and vigorously prosecute these cases to hold human traffickers accountable and bring justice to their victims.”

The investigation, led by the FBI, revealed that the couple coerced the victims through physical harm, threats of physical harm, isolation, constant surveillance, and psychological abuse. The victims were forced to work long hours, with little to no rest or compensation.

“Imagine showing up in a foreign land, hoping for a better life, and ending up trapped with no place to go and no one to turn to for help,” said FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy. “The victims in this investigation suffered in unimaginable ways at the hands of their captors, enduring years of physical and mental abuse. Human trafficking often takes on many different forms and can hide in plain sight. I want to commend the agents and victim specialists who worked on this case, alongside our partners at the US Attorney’s Office. We want everyone to know if you or anyone you know is a victim – you can come to us for help. We will bring your tormentors to justice.”