KALAMAZOO, Mich. — A joint investigation by state and federal law enforcement officers resulted in criminal charges.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the charges against three people at a press conference Tuesday, alongside members of the Department of Attorney General, representatives of the Three Rivers Police Department and officials from the federal Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Ikbahl Singh Machhal, 40, Kartar Chand, 67, and Shila Devi, 66, all of Three Rivers, are accused of labor trafficking a now 33-year-old woman brought to the United States under the auspices of marriage.
Nessel's office charged all three suspects with one count of human trafficking — forced labor and once count of human trafficking enterprise. Each count is a ten-year felony.
"Labor trafficking is a hidden crime that often goes undetected," Nessel said. "This woman's existence was reduced entirely to service toward this business, and she suffered greatly throughout her years in Michigan and at the Broadway Market. I am grateful for the collaboration between the Three Rivers Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, YWCA Kalamazoo and the prosecutors in my office for bringing such horrible acts to light, pursuing justice for this victim and the roles they each played in liberating her from her own family."
The defendants allegedly started trafficking the victim in 2012. The family is accused of forcibly moving her from Pennsylvania to Michigan when her husband, Machhal, and in-laws, Chand and Devi, came into ownership of the Broadway Market in Three Rivers.
Nessel's office says the victim started working at the convenience store shortly after coming to Michigan, but allegedly never got paid for her work. The family is accused of making the victim work eight to nine hours a day, seven days a week, against her will and under the threat of severe physical, mental and emotional abuse.
This allegedly continued for about eight years until 2020 when the victim was able to leave her home and get the help of YWCA Kalamazoo and local law enforcement after domestic violence charges against her husband.
"This case highlights the fact that forced labor is an issue that can affect any community and we must all remain vigilant," HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Shawn Gibson said. "I want to commend the victim in this case for their bravery in coming forward and all the law enforcement professionals and community partners who pursued justice."
Nessel's office says Three Rivers Police Officer Matt Kilbourn uncovered the scheme after he saw signs of labor trafficking during a hospital visit with the victim after suspected domestic violence, adding that, "Due to Officer Kilbourn's vigilance and dedication, this victim was able to leave her abusers."
Macchal and Devi were in court for their arraignments after being arrested Monday. Each was granted a $1 million bond. Should they post bond, the court will confiscate their passports.
Chand has been charged, but not arrested, having fled to India.
Labor trafficking is defined as “the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage or slavery" according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
"Human trafficking is prevalent throughout the state of Michigan and often hides in places one would not expect," Assistant Attorney General Melissa Palepu, chair of the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission, said. "All too often, vulnerable individuals are trafficked by those close to them, such as family and friends and their abuse is often hidden in plain sight. This is especially true when it comes to labor trafficking."
"Human trafficking is found in many different labor markets that consumers might not suspect, such as convenient stores, nail salons, massage parlors, farming and agriculture and restaurants. Those being trafficked often do not even realize they are in fact victims of human trafficking or are not aware of how to get help."
Victims of human trafficking or those who have identified someone they believe may need help can contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center by calling 888-373-7888 or texting 233733. All tips are confidential.
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