The UK’s richest family, the Hindujas, have made headlines as four of its members have been sentenced to prison for exploiting staff brought in from India to work at their Geneva villa. Prakash and Kamal Hinduja, along with their son Ajay and his wife Namrata, were found guilty of exploitation and illegal employment by a Swiss court. The sentences handed down ranged from four to four-and-a-half years, although they were acquitted on the more serious charge of human trafficking.
The workers from India alleged that they were paid as little as £7 ($8) to work 18-hour days, well below the amount required by Swiss law, and had their passports confiscated. They also claimed they were rarely allowed to leave the house in Geneva’s wealthy neighborhood of Cologny. Prosecutors even alleged that the family spent more on their dog than on their servants.
Despite the defense arguing that the employees received ample benefits and were not kept in isolation, the court ruled against the Hindujas. The family’s lawyer, Robert Assael, expressed shock at the verdict and stated their intention to appeal.
This case sheds light on the mistreatment of domestic workers in Geneva, a hub for the world’s wealthy and international organizations. Last year, four domestic workers from the Philippines launched a case against a diplomatic mission to the United Nations in Geneva, claiming they had not been paid for years.
The Hindujas, whose fortune is estimated at around £37bn, own the multinational Hinduja Group with interests in oil, gas, and banking. They also own the prestigious Raffles hotel in London. The family’s legal troubles highlight the importance of fair treatment and respect for all workers, regardless of their background or nationality.
