Three store owners in Three Rivers are facing charges for allegedly labor trafficking a woman brought to the United States under the guise of marriage.
The accusations were made by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, who revealed that 40-year-old Ikbahl Machhal, 67-year-old Katar Chand, and 66-year-old Shila Devi each face one count of human trafficking forced labor and one count of human trafficking enterprise, both of which are 10-year felonies.
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According to authorities, the 33-year-old woman’s trafficking began in 2012, when her family forced her to move in with the three accused, who were her husband and in-laws at the time.
The woman alleges that threats and coercion forced her to work eight to nine hours a day, seven days a week, at the Broadway Market in Three Rivers against her will and without ever receiving payment.
On Monday, authorities seized Machhal and Devi, setting their bond at $1 million each. However, Chand, who also faces charges, remains at large, seemingly having escaped to India.
The case highlights the ubiquity of labor trafficking and the susceptibility of victims, who may be persuaded into doing unpaid work under duress. The investigation is still ongoing, and authorities are requesting anyone with information to come forward.
