India
4 Indians held in US for ‘techie’ trafficking, 15 women rescued | India News – Times of India
Four months after the federal police investigated an alleged human trafficking racket and a ‘forced labor’ scheme, four people from Indian originincluding a couple, were arrested in Princeton, Texas. As many as 15 women were found working as forced laborers for the accused. The nationalities of the women were not disclosed.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Santhosh Katkoori (31), his wife Dwaraka Gunda (31), Dasireddy Chandan (24) and Anil Male (37). Three of the arrested are of Telugu origin, including the couple. Princeton police said the suspects were charged with human trafficking and a second-degree felony.
In March, a police investigation was launched after a pest control company was called to Katkoori’s home to deal with a bed bug infestation. The pest control team became suspicious when they saw that five women were staying in each room and were sleeping on the floor.
Police have yet to reveal where women come from
Princeton Police officers responded to their Ginsburg Lane, Collin County, home on March 13 after receiving a tip about a “welfare concern.”
“It was found that the women were forced to work for Katkoori as programmers in shell companies owned by him and his wife Dwaraka,” police said in a statement issued on Monday.
During the search, police found and seized multiple laptops, cell phones, printers, and false documents. Police also said they found forced labor victims, including adult males, at multiple locations in the Princeton, Melissa, and McKinney counties. Additional gadgets and documents were later seized at these locations.
“After examining all electronic devices and confirming the details of the operations, arrest warrants were issued on Monday,” police said.
Princeton police said the investigation is ongoing and that more people may be involved. However, police did not say where the women were from or whether they were part of the gang.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Santhosh Katkoori (31), his wife Dwaraka Gunda (31), Dasireddy Chandan (24) and Anil Male (37). Three of the arrested are of Telugu origin, including the couple. Princeton police said the suspects were charged with human trafficking and a second-degree felony.
In March, a police investigation was launched after a pest control company was called to Katkoori’s home to deal with a bed bug infestation. The pest control team became suspicious when they saw that five women were staying in each room and were sleeping on the floor.
Police have yet to reveal where women come from
Princeton Police officers responded to their Ginsburg Lane, Collin County, home on March 13 after receiving a tip about a “welfare concern.”
“It was found that the women were forced to work for Katkoori as programmers in shell companies owned by him and his wife Dwaraka,” police said in a statement issued on Monday.
During the search, police found and seized multiple laptops, cell phones, printers, and false documents. Police also said they found forced labor victims, including adult males, at multiple locations in the Princeton, Melissa, and McKinney counties. Additional gadgets and documents were later seized at these locations.
“After examining all electronic devices and confirming the details of the operations, arrest warrants were issued on Monday,” police said.
Princeton police said the investigation is ongoing and that more people may be involved. However, police did not say where the women were from or whether they were part of the gang.
