Washington, July 13 (FN Bureau) Four Indian Americans, including a woman, have been charged with operating a labour trafficking scheme from a residence in Collins County, according to law enforcement officials. Chandan Dasireddy (24), Dwaraka Gunda (31), Santhosh Katkoori (31), and Anil Male (37) were arrested in March and are now facing charges of second-degree felony trafficking of persons, with authorities anticipating further arrests, India West Journal reported. According to the report, On July 1, police disclosed the details of investigation into 15 women who were found to be victims of human labour trafficking in a home. Initial suspicion arose when a pest control company was called to the residence for a possible bed bug infestation. Inspectors observed rooms where 3-5 young females were sleeping on the floor, along with numerous suitcases, the report said.
The company alerted law enforcement, initiating the investigation. Investigators found the residence lacked basic furniture and contained mainly computer, electronic items and blankets.Law enforcement officials allege that adult women were being coerced into working for Santhosh Katkoori, who owned multiple shell companies with his wife, Dwaraka Gunda, the report said. .Authorities seized multiple laptops, cell phones, printers, and fraudulent documents from Katkoori’s residence, it added. “For the safety and well-being of the victims, it was imperative to act swiftly and decisively,” said a law enforcement official. “The conditions these women were found in were appalling and unacceptable.” The investigation revealed multiple locations in various other counties involved in the same issue, media reports stated.