Stockton, California, United States
A couple hired workers from India through false job ads promising good wages, then forced them into unpaid domestic labor in their home, physically abusing them and threatening consequences if they tried to leave. Accused: Satish Kartan and Sharmistha Barai of Stockton, California.
Location
United States · Stockton, California · 2023 (location generalized to protect survivors)
Response & intervention
HSI, FBI, and State Department Diplomatic Security Service investigation. Barai sentenced to 15 years 8 months; Kartan sentenced to 188 months. Victims assisted through Civil Rights Division Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.