A Swiss court has found members of Britain’s wealthiest family guilty of exploiting domestic workers at a luxury villa in Geneva, but acquitted them of the more serious charge of human trafficking. The Hinduja family, known for their vast holdings in automotive manufacturing, banking, oil and gas, real estate, and health care, were accused of confiscating passports and forcing workers to toil long hours without proper pay.
The court sentenced Prakash and Kamal Hinduja to four years and six months in prison, and Ajay and Namrata Hinduja to four years, along with hefty fines and compensation. The family, with a net worth estimated at $47 billion, expressed disappointment in the verdict and has filed an appeal.
The closely watched trial revealed shocking details of the workers’ conditions, with some being paid as little as $120 a month and forced to work from dawn until late at night. The workers, mostly from poor backgrounds in India, were allegedly confined to a windowless basement room and expected to be available at all times, even on trips to France and Monaco.
The Hinduja family denied the allegations, with their lawyer calling them “exaggerated and biased.” A civil case involving the main accusers was settled last week, with the terms remaining confidential. Prosecutors had sought prison sentences of up to five and a half years, along with significant fines and compensation.
The Hinduja family, led by three brothers, owns extensive real estate in London, including a 25-bedroom residence and a five-star hotel. The most senior brother, Srichand P. Hinduja, passed away last year, leading to a battle over family assets. The family remains determined to defend themselves in the ongoing legal battle.
