Indian-born billionaire Prakash Hinduja and three family members were sentenced to prison on Friday for exploiting domestic workers at their lakeside villa in Switzerland. The workers, mostly illiterate Indians, were paid in Indian rupees and were not allowed to leave the premises. The court dismissed more serious charges of human trafficking, citing that the workers had some understanding of the situation. The family members received prison sentences ranging from four to 4 1/2 years, with a fifth defendant receiving an 18-month suspended sentence.
Despite the dismissal of trafficking charges, the family’s lawyer expressed relief but called the sentence excessive, citing the poor health of the elderly clients. The Hinduja family, known for their industrial conglomerate in various sectors, has a net worth of around $20 billion according to Forbes magazine. They have been residing in Switzerland since the 1980s, with Prakash Hinduja having been convicted in 2007 on similar charges. A separate tax case is pending against him, as he obtained Swiss citizenship in 2000.
The court found the family guilty of exploiting the workers, providing unauthorized employment, and paying wages far below Swiss standards. Prosecutors described a “climate of fear” instigated by Kamal Hinduja, where workers had little to no vacation time, worked long hours for receptions, and slept in the basement on occasions. Last week, it was revealed that the family had reached a settlement with the plaintiffs, leading Swiss authorities to seize assets in anticipation of legal fees and penalties.
The family’s business manager, Najib Ziazi, received an 18-month suspended sentence in connection with the case. The defendants’ lawyers have stated that they plan to appeal the court’s decision. The Hinduja family’s reputation and business dealings have now come under scrutiny due to the exploitation of domestic workers at their Swiss villa. The case sheds light on the issue of exploitation and mistreatment of vulnerable workers and the consequences that perpetrators may face.
