The Hinduja family, known as Britain’s wealthiest, is embroiled in a human trafficking trial in Switzerland. The allegations center around the underpayment and mistreatment of an Indian domestic help at their Lake Geneva villa. Prosecutors claim the family paid the staff member only seven Swiss francs (approximately £6.19) for an 18-hour workday while spending significantly more on their pet dog.
Key Allegations
- Underpayment of Domestic Help: One domestic staff member was reportedly paid just seven Swiss francs for workdays lasting 15 to 18 hours, seven days a week. This is in stark contrast to the 8,584 Swiss francs spent annually on the family’s pet dog.
- Seizure of Passports: The Hinduja family allegedly confiscated the passports of their Indian domestic help, restricting their movement and preventing them from leaving the house without permission.
- Payment in Indian Rupees: The domestic staff were reportedly paid in Indian rupees rather than Swiss francs, leaving them without local currency while in Switzerland.
Legal Proceedings
The trial began on Monday, involving four members of the Hinduja family:
- Prakash Hinduja
- Kamal Hinduja
- Ajay Hinduja
- Namrata Hinduja
The prosecution has called for the family to cover 1 million francs in court costs and to pay 3.5 million francs into a compensation fund for the affected staff. Additionally, the prosecutor recommended prison sentences of five and a half years for Prakash and Kamal Hinduja, and four and a half years for Ajay and Namrata.
Defense and Denial
The Hinduja family has denied the allegations, arguing that their staff were treated with dignity and respect. Ajay’s lawyer, Yael Hayat, contended that the prosecution exaggerated the working hours and misrepresented the pay. Hayat stated that staff received boarding and lodging in addition to their salaries, and some workers testified to being treated well. Ajay Hinduja also mentioned that recruitment was handled by the Hinduja Group in India, and that staff are now formally paid through a third-party agency.
Court’s Reaction
Prosecutor Yves Bertossa criticized the absence of Prakash and Kamal Hinduja, who cited health issues for not attending the trial. He suggested that they could have managed the short flight from Cannes to Geneva.
Public and Financial Impact
The Hinduja family, with a net worth exceeding £37 billion, is the richest in Britain according to The Sunday Times Rich List. They own notable properties, including the Raffles Hotel at the Old War Office in Whitehall, London, where a premier suite costs £25,000 per night.
The trial underscores serious allegations of human trafficking and worker exploitation against one of the world’s wealthiest families. The outcome could have significant legal and financial repercussions for the Hinduja family, further impacting their public image.
