Federal Authorities Uncover Human Trafficking Operation in Omaha Area, Five Arrested
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Federal agents executed a major operation Tuesday in the Omaha area, searching 14 businesses and two residences as part of a human trafficking investigation. The coordinated raids led to the arrest of five individuals and the rescue of 27 victims, including 10 minors.
Authorities targeted four hotels and motels during the operation:
– AmericInn near Interstate 80 and 13th Street
– The Inn (formerly Super 8) near I-80 and 144th Street
– New Victorian Inn & Suites off Highway 275
– Rodeway Inn on Fort Crook Road in Bellevue
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the hotels were involved in a labor trafficking scheme that exploited children under the age of 12, forcing them to work long hours for little or no compensation.
Five hotel owners and managers were arrested in connection with the case:
– Kentakumar Chaudhari, 36, of Elkhorn
– Rashmi Ajit Samani, 42, of Elkhorn
– Amit Prahladbhai Chaudhari, 32, of Omaha
– Amit Babubhai Chaudhari, 33, of Omaha
– Maheshkumar Chaudhari, 38, of Norfolk
Investigators also searched several Brow and Lash salons linked to the suspects. The U.S. Attorney’s Office reported that the group owns additional hotel properties in central Nebraska.
In addition to labor trafficking, at least one of the defendants is accused of participating in sex trafficking involving both minors and adults. Authorities allege that the hotels not only permitted sex trafficking on their premises but actively encouraged it and helped shield traffickers from law enforcement.
The investigation also uncovered extensive drug activity at the properties. One source reported that a stairwell in one of the hotels was littered with used drug needles.
Federal officials further allege that the suspects were engaged in money laundering and harboring undocumented immigrants. During the raids, agents seized more than $565,000 in cash. The U.S. Marshals Service is working to recover additional funds believed to have been obtained through illegal means.
While Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained several individuals at the hotels, authorities clarified that those arrests were not directly related to the human trafficking investigation.
This is a developing story. Stay with Channel 8 for the latest updates.
Source: klkntv.com