Richmond, Va. — A grim tale of exploitation unfolded in court as a Chesterfield couple was handed lengthy sentences for forcing their relative to work as a slave at their gas station and convenience store over three years.
Harmanpreet Singh, 31, and Kulbir Kaur, 43, were both sentenced to substantial terms: Singh got 11 years and three months, while Kaur was handed seven years and three months. The couple has since divorced.
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division revealed that the defendants lured their victim with false promises of education in the United States, only to subject him to physical and mental abuse. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke emphasized that human trafficking will not be tolerated, underscoring the department’s commitment to enforcing federal human trafficking laws.
“The crimes committed by these defendants are an affront to humanity,” said U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia. “They preyed on the victim’s dream of an education and stole his freedom.”
The FBI’s Assistant Director Michael Nordwall vowed that the agency would continue battling forced labor trafficking across all communities. The couple was convicted in January following a two-week trial, with evidence showing they had compelled the young man to work excessive hours for minimal pay under degrading conditions.
According to the prosecution, Singh and Kaur restricted the victim’s access to food and medical care, surveilled him, and used threats of violence to maintain control. One harrowing incident involved Singh threatening the victim with a revolver after he tried to leave work or take a day off.
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Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Human Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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