EASTERN DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA — A federal jury in the Eastern District of Virginia convicted Harmanpreet Singh, 30, and Kulbir Kaur, 43, of multiple charges related to forced labor and human trafficking. The Richmond-area couple operated a gas station and convenience store in North Chesterfield, Virginia.
Evidence presented during the two-week trial revealed that from March 2018 to May 2021, Singh and Kaur forced Singh’s cousin to work at their store under severe conditions. The victim, initially enticed to the U.S. with promises of education, was compelled to work as a cashier, prepare food, clean, and manage store records. Coercive methods used by the couple included confiscating the victim’s immigration documents, physical abuse, threats, and providing degrading living conditions. The victim was made to work long hours for minimal pay.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division condemned the defendants’ exploitation and physical and mental abuse of the victim for profit, highlighting the severity of human trafficking. U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia emphasized the deceptive tactics used by the defendants and commended the legal team for ensuring justice.
Special Agent in Charge Stanley M. Meador of the FBI Richmond Field Office stated that the convictions underscore the FBI’s commitment to combating human trafficking.
The defendants initially lured the victim, a minor at the time, with false promises of education. Upon arrival in the U.S., they confiscated his documents and forced him into labor, monitoring him through surveillance equipment, denying him food, medical care, and education, and physically and mentally abusing him.
Singh and Kaur’s sentencing is scheduled for May 8. They face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and mandatory restitution for the forced labor charge. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.