The U.S. Department of State estimates that between 15,000 to 18,500 individuals are trafficked into the United States each year for bonded or forced labor, highlighting the widespread nature of this issue
The Princeton Police Department in Texas has apprehended four individuals of Telugu origin on charges of human trafficking and forced labor. The arrests followed an investigation that began in March when a pest control company reported unusual activity at a residence on Ginsburg Lane, where several young women were found sleeping on the floor.
The arrested individuals are identified as Chandan Dasireddy (24), Santhosh Katkoori (31), Dwaraka Gunda (31), and Anil Male (37).
Evidence collected from these sites includes laptops, phones, printers, and fraudulent documents. The police believe there may be more victims and anticipate further arrests as the investigation progresses
According to the police, Dasireddy, Katkoori, and Gunda were running a forced labor operation through shell companies owned by Katkoori and his wife, Gunda.
Authorities rescued 15 women who were being forced to work as programmers for these companies under harsh conditions, including sleeping on the floor with minimal furniture. Further investigations led the police to additional locations in Princeton, Melissa, and McKinney, all linked to the forced labor scheme.
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