Dutch labour inspectors detain two owners of Indian restaurant chains for exploitation and trafficking
The Labour Inspection Service arrested two owners of eight restaurants belonging to three Indian hospitality groups, accusing them of exploiting workers and human trafficking.
During a recent inspection, the Labour Inspection Service discovered extensive misconduct at eight restaurants operated by three international Indian chains across Utrecht, Amsterdam, The Hague, Hoofddorp and Hilversum. Two owners of the combined establishments were taken into custody on suspicion of exploiting workers and facilitating human trafficking. Investigators say the suspects misused a previous Asian restaurant programme that allowed easy recruitment of specialised Indian chefs, but many were instead employed in low-skill positions such as dishwashers, cleaners, waitstaff or managers.
The raid resulted in the confiscation of real estate, bank accounts, data carriers and administrative documents related to the businesses. The case highlights ongoing concerns about labour abuse in the Dutch hospitality sector.
