Oregon Woman Guilty in Forced Labor Scheme

Forced Labor Scheme Exposed in Oregon Restaurants

Tanya Jumroon, a 59-year-old Beaverton woman and naturalized U.S. citizen from Thailand, pleaded guilty to financially benefiting from a forced labor scheme and visa fraud conspiracy involving Thai restaurant workers in Lake Oswego, Oregon, and Ridgefield, Washington.

Between 2011 and 2014, Jumroon and her then-husband, Paul Jumroon, fraudulently obtained E-2 visas to bring four Thai nationals to the United States, promising them a better life. However, upon their arrival, the workers were subjected to forced labor, with Paul Jumroon using threats of deportation, debt manipulation, and verbal abuse to compel them to work long hours for minimal pay at the restaurants.

Jumroon admitted to witnessing her husband’s mistreatment of two of the victims and profiting from their labor, while also benefiting financially from the scheme. She agreed to pay the four victims $131,391.95 in restitution for their unpaid labor.

The scheme also involved filing false tax returns with the IRS, with Jumroon failing to report cash income earned from the restaurants between 2012 and 2015. She has agreed to pay $120,384 in tax due and owing to the IRS.

Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore stated, "The Justice Department remains committed to combatting human trafficking and holding those who exploit vulnerable individuals accountable."

U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams added, "Human trafficking schemes are seldom carried out by a single person. Tanya Jumroon profited off of her then-husband’s actions while turning a blind eye."

The case highlights the importance of remaining vigilant and reporting signs of human trafficking in the community, as victims often live in the shadows and struggle to seek help.

The investigation was led by the FBI’s Oregon office and the IRS, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Jumroon is expected to face sentencing in the coming months.