Indian Billionaire and Family Jailed for Worker Exploitation in Swiss Villa

Indian-born billionaire Prakash Hinduja, his family and business manager were sentenced to prison for exploiting domestic workers at their Swiss villa. Despite workers' testimonies of harsh conditions and long hours, more serious human trafficking charges were dismissed. The defendants plan to appeal, citing excessive sentencing and poor health.

In a landmark ruling, Indian-born billionaire Prakash Hinduja, along with three family members, has been sentenced to prison for exploiting domestic workers at their lakeside villa in Switzerland. The court found them guilty of severe exploitation, including seizing passports, barring movements, and enforcing up to 18-hour workdays.

The Swiss court, however, dismissed more severe charges of human trafficking against the 79-year-old tycoon, his wife Kamal, son Ajay, and daughter-in-law Namrata, stating that the workers partly understood their working conditions. The sentences for the four ranged from four to four and a half years.

Primarily illiterate and paid in Indian rupees, the workers were often paid into bank accounts they couldn't access. The defendants' lawyers intend to appeal the ruling, arguing that the sentences are excessive, especially given the poor health of the Hinduja family members. A separate tax case and asset seizures, including diamonds and platinum jewelry, signify potential further legal challenges for the family.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)