Four members of the UK’s wealthiest family, the Hindujas, are facing charges in Switzerland over the alleged mistreatment of their domestic staff.
The charges include exploitation and human trafficking, with accusations that servants brought from India were subjected to low wages, long working hours, and had their passports confiscated.
The trial has exposed the stark disparity between the family’s spending on their dog and the wages of their servants. Allegations suggest that the family spent more on their dog’s care than on the daily wages of their staff.
The Hinduja family, who own a villa in the affluent Cologny neighborhood of Geneva, are accused of importing servants from India to manage their household and care for their children. Prakash and Kamal Hinduja, along with their son Ajay and his wife Namrata, are alleged to have confiscated the passports of their staff, paid them as little as $8 (£7) for 18-hour workdays, and restricted their freedom to leave the house.
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Despite a recent financial settlement over exploitation claims, the Hindujas are still on trial for human trafficking, a serious crime in Switzerland. They have denied the charges.
In court this week, renowned Geneva prosecutor Yves Bertossa highlighted the stark contrast in spending, claiming the family spent nearly $10,000 a year on their dog while allegedly paying their servants meager daily wages.
The Hinduja family’s lawyers did not explicitly deny the allegations of low wages but argued that the context should be considered, noting that the staff were also provided with accommodation and food. They also contested the claim of long working hours, with one defense lawyer suggesting that watching films with the Hinduja children should not be classified as work.
Some former servants testified in favor of the Hindujas, describing them as a kind family who treated their staff with respect. However, the accusations of passport confiscation and restricted movement are serious, as they could be interpreted as human trafficking.
Prosecutor Bertossa is seeking prison sentences and millions of dollars in compensation and legal fees.
