Highlights:
- Five Indian-Americans arrested after FBI-led raids in Omaha metro and central Nebraska.
- Accused allegedly exploited minors (some under 12) and adults for sex and forced labor.
- Hotels reportedly encouraged drug use and prostitution to boost profits.
- 10 minors and 17 adults rescued from unsafe, exploitative conditions.
Charges include human trafficking, visa fraud, staged robberies, and illegal border crossings.Federal authorities in Nebraska have charged five Indian-Americans in a sweeping human trafficking and immigration fraud investigation spanning multiple hotels across the Omaha metro area and central Nebraska. The arrests came after coordinated early-morning raids by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and local law enforcement.
The accused and allegations
The accused have been identified as Kentakumar “Ken” Chaudhari (36), Rashmi Ajit “Falguni” Samani (42), Amit Prahladbhai “Amit” Chaudhari (32), Amit Babubhai “Matt” Chaudhari (33), and Maheshkumar “Mahesh” Chaudhari (38).
Prosecutors allege the group owned and managed multiple hotels that became hubs for sex trafficking involving minors, forced labour, and other illicit activities.
Victims and rescue efforts
According to court documents, 10 minors — some as young as 12 — and 17 adults were rescued from these operations. Victims were allegedly forced to work long hours in unsafe conditions, received little or no pay, and in some cases, were coerced into sexual activity.
The FBI stated that drugs and prostitution were actively encouraged at the hotels as part of the profit model. Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel described the setup as “modern-day slavery” and urged victims or informants to come forward.
Law enforcement’s stand
US Attorney Lesley Woods condemned the crimes as “evil,” declaring, “If it exists in Nebraska, we will seek it, find it, root it out, and ensure every rescued victim has the chance for justice and freedom from their captors.”
HSI Special Agent in Charge Mark Zito said the scheme preyed on the most vulnerable and displayed “no regard for the laws or values of our nation.”
Immigration fraud and other charges
In addition to human trafficking, the defendants face visa fraud charges connected to staged robberies, illegal border crossings, and transporting undocumented immigrants for profit. Federal agents seized over USD 565,000 in cash and placed liens on the implicated hotel properties to prevent their sale during legal proceedings.
Ongoing investigation
Authorities believe there may be additional victims and are working to uncover the full scope of the operation. The FBI and HSI have set up tip lines, encouraging community members with information to assist in dismantling remaining networks of exploitation.
The case underscores growing concerns about labour exploitation and sex trafficking in hospitality businesses across the US, particularly in areas where immigrant labour is targeted and abused for profit.
Soldiers take part in a march past during Independence Day celebrations at the historic Red Fort in Delhi, India, August 15, 2025Reuters
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