Rochester Man Pleads Guilty to Harboring Illegal Aliens for Commercial Gain
U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Zhou Wang Ni, 48, of Rochester, New York, pleaded guilty to harboring an illegal alien for commercial gain before U.S. District Court Judge David G. Larimer. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Gestring, Ni is the manager of the Grand Super Buffet Chinese Restaurant located on Jefferson Road in Henrietta, New York. As manager, Ni hired several illegal aliens to work in the restaurant who he knew were not lawfully present in the United States. The defendant housed these workers in properties he owned around Rochester and paid them in cash.
While conducting surveillance, federal agents observed Ni driving these individuals to work at the restaurant on several occasions. Homeland Security Investigations conducted an immigration audit of the restaurant during the course of the investigation, during which the defendant concealed the fact that those illegal aliens were working. However, agents had video footage of those same workers being picked up by the defendant in the morning, being driven to the restaurant, and then working inside during the day.
The plea is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. Sentencing is scheduled for May 12, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Larimer.
The case highlights the dark underbelly of the restaurant industry, where some business owners exploit undocumented workers for financial gain. The Rochester community is still reeling from the revelation, with many calling for greater accountability from local businesses.
Zhou Wang Ni’s actions not only put him at risk of incarceration, but also endangered the lives of the undocumented workers he employed. As the investigation continues, one thing is clear: no one is above the law, and those who engage in human trafficking will be held accountable.
Rochester residents are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. In the meantime, the Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Human Trafficking|Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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