Five Indian‑Americans Charged in Nebraska Over Sex Trafficking and Visa Fraud

Federal agents arrested five Indian-Americans in coordinated pre-dawn raids across the Omaha metro area and central Nebraska, charging them with sex trafficking, visa fraud, forced child labor, and related crimes tied to hotels they owned and managed. The operation unfolded on August 12–13, 2025, and authorities say they rescued 10 minors (some under age 12) and 17 adults from exploitative conditions.

Prosecutors allege the group ran a network that profited from labor and sex exploitation while also carrying out drug crimes and schemes to misuse U.S. immigration benefits. The defendants—Kentakumar “Ken” Chaudhari (36), Rashmi Ajit “Falguni” Samani (42), Amit Prahladbhai “Amit” Chaudhari (32), Amit Babubhai “Matt” Chaudhari (33), and Maheshkumar “Mahesh” Chaudhari (38)—were taken into custody after agents searched 14 business premises and two residences.

Investigators seized more than $565,000 in cash and moved to block hotel property sales while the probe continues. The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, local police, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) worked together on the case.

“Evil,” said U.S. Attorney Lesley Woods for the District of Nebraska, pledging her office will hold responsible parties to account and protect those harmed.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel described the scheme as “modern-day slavery,” urging survivors and witnesses to contact law enforcement. Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Mark Zito said the defendants targeted people with few options, showing open disregard for U.S. laws and basic human dignity.

Federal operation and main allegations

Court filings describe a pattern of labor trafficking in which children under 12 cleaned and maintained hotels for long hours in unsafe, dirty spaces. Some were found sleeping on floors crawling with cockroaches, according to investigators. Adults also faced pressure to work for little or no pay.

Prosecutors say hotel managers facilitated prostitution that included both minors and adults, taking profits from the activity and layering sex trafficking on top of labor abuse.

The case extends beyond human trafficking:

• Hotels allegedly served as bases for drug distribution, with management providing security for traffickers.
• Authorities cite harboring and transporting undocumented immigrants, including arranging for migrants to cross the border and work at the hotels.
• Some workers were allegedly taken to Washington state to obtain fraudulent driver’s licenses for about $1,000 each.

A central immigration allegation involves visa fraud tied to the U visa program, which can grant temporary status to certain crime victims who help law enforcement. Prosecutors say at least one defendant staged a fake robbery at a salon in 2022 to create a false crime record and help another defendant appear eligible for a U visa.

USCIS provided critical investigative support, including help assessing misuse of this victim-focused program. For official guidance on U visas, see USCIS’s U nonimmigrant status page: https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/victims-of-human-trafficking-and-other-crimes/u-nonimmigrant-status

Authorities say the five defendants are charged by federal complaint with:

1. Conspiracy to engage in labor trafficking
2. Sex trafficking
3. Harboring aliens
4. Visa fraud
5. Drug trafficking
6. Money laundering

The investigation remains active, and more charges are possible as agents review evidence seized during the August 2025 raids.

How the scheme allegedly operated

According to court filings and analysis by VisaVerge.com, the operation followed a common trafficking pattern:

• Everyday businesses (motels, budget hotels, cleaning services) provide cover.
• Owners controlled work, housing, and documents, trapping workers and hiding abuse.
• Exploitation was layered: forced labor, sex trafficking, immigration paperwork abuse, and cash handling.

Investigators emphasized that these hotels appeared legitimate to customers. Families checked in, travelers used rooms, and staff moved through hallways as in any other hotel. Behind the scenes, prosecutors say:

• Children and adults were forced to clean rooms, handle laundry, and perform other tasks under threat.
• Some were compelled to engage in sex acts in rooms where guests normally stay.
• The scheme could run for years when it blends into normal commerce unless someone reports it.

Officials allege the operation moved money through multiple accounts and relied heavily on cash to hide profits. The seizure of $565,000 in cash and steps to block hotel property sales serve to:

• Undercut quick payouts to co-conspirators
• Preserve assets for possible forfeiture following convictions

Immigration implications and victim support

Rescued survivors are receiving legal, medical, and counseling support, officials say. People harmed by these crimes may qualify for immigration relief, including legitimate U visas, if they provide helpful information to law enforcement. The program is designed to help survivors feel safe reporting crimes, even if they lack U.S. status.

Officials also warn that fraudulent U visa claims—such as staging crimes—hurt true victims and slow the system.

Context and policy notes:

• Arrests occurred amid a broader push under President Trump to fight trafficking and immigration-related fraud through more raids and workplace checks.
• Federal officials have warned of stricter oversight of the U visa program to stop abuse.
• Immigration advocates support action against traffickers but worry that high-profile fraud cases can lengthen waits for genuine applicants.
• Industry groups call for tighter owner vetting and training in hospitality, which relies heavily on migrant labor at lower-wage properties.

Human impact and community call-to-action

The human toll extends beyond court filings. Key concerns include:

• Families torn apart by forced labor and sexual exploitation need time and resources to recover.
• Children removed from dangerous work must regain safety and access to education.
• Many adult survivors fear speaking to authorities, especially if employers control travel documents or facilitated border crossings.

That’s why law enforcement urges the public to report tips. Small details can be life-saving, such as:

• Unusually young workers cleaning late at night
• Staff living on-site in unsafe rooms
• Doors guarded on certain floors

Survivors or witnesses can contact the FBI Omaha Field Office or Homeland Security Investigations. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska will post updates on its official site as the case proceeds. USCIS continues to support visa-related aspects of the probe and encourages true victims to seek help through lawful channels.

Key facts released so far

Prosecutors say more information will emerge as digital records, phones, and financial data are reviewed. The defendants are expected to appear in federal court in Nebraska in the coming weeks. If convicted, they face long prison terms and asset forfeiture.

The Nebraska case is one of the most far-reaching trafficking and visa fraud prosecutions in the state in recent years. Authorities say it illustrates how quickly exploitation can grow when offenders mix control of housing, pay, travel, and immigration claims inside the same business—and how hotels that should be safe can hide severe harm unless someone alerts the people who can stop it.