Money Laundering Cases Plague American Samoa’s Garment Industry
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A recent investigation by the Civil Rights Division has uncovered a network of money laundering schemes and human trafficking in American Samoa’s garment industry. The shocking revelation has led to charges against five defendants, who allegedly subjected workers to involuntary servitude at a Daewoosa garment factory.
A Pattern of Abuse
According to court documents, the defendants brought 250 Vietnamese and Chinese nationals, mostly young women, to work as sewing machine operators. The victims were forced to work under extreme conditions, including:
- Food deprivation
- Beatings
- Physical restraint
- Held in guarded company compounds
- Threatened with passport confiscation, deportation, economic hardship, and false arrest
Indictment and Convictions
The investigation, which spanned several years, resulted in a 22-count indictment against the five defendants. The charges include:
- Conspiracy to violate the civil rights of workers
- Involuntary servitude
- Extortion
- Money laundering
- Making a false statement to a financial institution
- Bribery
One defendant, Kil Soo Lee, was convicted of multiple counts including conspiracy, involuntary servitude, extortion, and money laundering. He was sentenced to 40 years in prison.
A Widespread Problem
The case highlights the widespread problem of money laundering in American Samoa’s garment industry. The US Department of Justice has reported that human trafficking cases are on the rise in the territory, with many victims forced into labor and sexual exploitation.
- Human trafficking is a growing concern in American Samoa
- Victims are often lured to the territory with false promises of employment and decent wages
- Instead, they are subjected to abuse and exploitation by unscrupulous employers
A Call to Action
The Civil Rights Division’s efforts have led to a major crackdown on human trafficking in American Samoa. However, more work needs to be done to protect the rights of workers in the industry. The case serves as a reminder that:
- Money laundering and human trafficking are not isolated incidents
- They are part of a larger problem that requires concerted action from law enforcement, government agencies, and civil society
It is essential for all stakeholders to come together to combat this issue and ensure that workers in American Samoa’s garment industry are treated with dignity and respect.