NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Omaha, Nebraska, August 18, 2025: Federal prosecutors have charged five Indian-American hotel and business owners in Nebraska with sex trafficking, labor exploitation, visa fraud, and money laundering in a sweeping investigation that has stunned the local community. Authorities said the multi-year probe uncovered a network of hotels and salons where both children and adults were forced to work in unsafe conditions, and sex trafficking was allowed to flourish.
The accused—Kentakumar “Ken” Chaudhari, 36; Rashmi Ajit “Falguni” Samani, 42; Amit Prahladbhai “Amit” Chaudhari, 32; Amit Babubhai “Matt” Chaudhari, 33; and Maheshkumar “Mahesh” Chaudhari, 38—are all residents of the Omaha area.
According to federal court filings, the defendants allegedly trafficked at least 10 minors and 17 adults, forcing them into grueling work shifts for little or no pay at Omaha-area motels and beauty salons. Some victims were as young as 12 years old. Authorities said the businesses also became hubs for sex trafficking and drug activity, with reports of discarded needles, open drug use, and Narcan being kept at front desks.
The scheme, investigators said, extended beyond human trafficking. Prosecutors allege the defendants staged a fake robbery at a Brow and Lash salon in 2022 to fraudulently obtain a U visa, laundered more than $565,000 in cash, and sold fake Washington state driver’s licenses for about $1,000 each.
More than 300 federal, state, and local officers executed coordinated raids on August 12, seizing cash, jewelry, and business records while freezing hotel properties to prevent their sale or transfer.
“This operation dismantled a dangerous trafficking ring that preyed on vulnerable children and immigrants for profit,” said federal officials, adding that victims have been relocated to safe housing and are receiving support services.
The case has also drawn national attention as it comes amid heightened federal crackdowns on immigration fraud and enforcement actions in major U.S. cities.
The defendants are facing charges including sex trafficking, labor trafficking, visa and immigration fraud, and money laundering. If convicted, they face lengthy prison sentences.
All five remain in custody and are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Cover photo courtesy: Visit Omaha
