Two restaurant owners arrested for human trafficking and human smuggling

The Netherlands Labor Inspectorate has arrested two owners of three international Indian restaurant chains on charges of human trafficking and human smuggling. Authorities allege the suspects exploited over 70 workers by bringing them to the country under false pretenses using specialized culinary permits. Although these individuals were granted visas to work as expert chefs, they were instead forced into low-skilled roles such as dishwashers and cleaners. Investigators found that victims were subjected to extreme labor conditions, often working 60 to 80 hours per week without proper compensation, resulting in an estimated four million euros in illegal profits for the suspects. Beyond the wage theft, the victims reportedly faced coercive measures, including threats of violence and pressure placed on their families in their home countries. The operation involved widespread raids across several European countries, with authorities seizing property, financial records, and digital media. The suspects allegedly knew from the start that they would violate permit requirements, keeping workers in illegal status to maintain control over their employment and residency.