Four Arrested in Texas for Running “Forced Labor” Scheme
In a shocking turn of events, four individuals have been arrested in Texas for running a “forced labor” scheme from a seemingly ordinary home on a quiet block, leaving neighbors in disbelief.
A welfare check in Princeton, located about 45 miles northeast of downtown Dallas, led to the discovery of fifteen women living in a home where they were allegedly forced to work and sleep on the floor, according to Fox 4 News.
Police reported that the home had minimal furniture, only blankets, and numerous computers and electronics, as stated in an announcement on Monday.
The women were found after a pest control company called the police to report bedbugs in the residence, according to an affidavit obtained by the outlet.
Authorities arrested Chandan Dasireddy, 24; Dwaraka Gunda, 31; Santhosh Katkoori, 31; and Anil Male, 37, in March on charges of human trafficking.
The women were reportedly compelled to work for Katkoori and his wife, Gunda, at several programming shell companies owned by them.
A search of the premises uncovered laptops, cell phones, printers, and fraudulent documents.
Further investigations revealed that the forced labor operation spanned multiple locations in Princeton, Melissa, and McKinney, involving numerous victims, including adult males. Additional electronics and documents were seized from these locations.
Sgt. Carolyn Crawford of the Princeton Police told Fox 4 that “over 100” individuals were involved, with more than half being victims. The authorities anticipate making more arrests as the case unfolds.
Police Chief James Waters stated, “How we came across this situation was very unique,” emphasizing the complexity of the investigation.
Neighbors expressed shock at the revelation of such an operation occurring in their vicinity.
“I would’ve never thought that something like this was going on like a few houses down from mine,” said neighbor Herbert Logan.
Steven Watkins, another neighbor, admitted, “What was going on before we even moved in here? It’s kind of really dark to think about.”
Law enforcement declined to disclose the victims’ origins or whether they had attempted to escape the situation.
