Britain’s wealthiest family, the Hindujas, expressed their dismay over a Swiss court ruling that sentenced some family members to prison. The court found them guilty of exploiting vulnerable domestic workers from India at their villa in Geneva. The Hindujas have filed an appeal in a higher court to challenge this verdict.
In a statement released on Friday, the family’s Swiss lawyers emphasized that Prakash and Kamal Hinduja, both in their 70s, along with Prakash’s son Ajay and his wife Namrata, were acquitted of all human trafficking charges. The lawyers criticized media reports suggesting that any family members faced immediate detention. They clarified that no detention was effective because the appeal makes the current judgement unenforceable.
The legal team, consisting of Yael Hayat, Robert Assael, and Roman Jordan, reiterated the importance of the presumption of innocence under Swiss law until a final judgement by the highest court is issued. They highlighted that the plaintiffs had withdrawn their complaints, stating they never intended to be part of such proceedings.
Despite the court’s ruling, the family expressed their confidence in the judicial process, hoping for a favorable outcome upon appeal.
The charges stem from accusations that the family mistreated their domestic workers by confiscating their passports, restricting their movement, and forcing them to work long hours for very little pay. Some workers, who only spoke Hindi, were allegedly paid in rupees deposited in Indian banks, which they could not access while in Switzerland. Prosecutors claimed the family spent more money on their dog than on their servants.
During the trial, the Hindujas’ lawyers argued that the workers were treated well and provided with appropriate accommodation. They countered the allegations, stating that the family respected and took care of their staff.
The Hinduja family, known for their vast wealth and business empire, topped the ‘Sunday Times Rich List’ last month with an estimated fortune of GBP 37.196 billion. Their wealth increased due to the opening of the luxurious OWO Raffles Hotel in London. The family’s business operations span 48 countries and multiple industries, including automotive, oil, banking, IT, healthcare, media, and real estate.
As the legal battle continues, the family remains hopeful that the truth will emerge and justice will be served in the higher court.
Comments