Hinduja Family Accused of Spending More on Dog than Workers

A Swiss court has been presented with startling evidence suggesting that Britain’s wealthiest family, the Hindujas, have treated their pet dog better than their household staff. Prosecutors allege severe exploitation and trafficking of employees at the family’s Lake Geneva villa, calling for jail sentences for members of the billionaire clan.

During a hearing at Geneva’s criminal court, prosecutor Yves Bertossa highlighted the disparities in spending, pointing out a budget that allocated $9,66 annually for the family dog while a servant was paid as little as $7,9 per day for grueling work hours. It was revealed that staff contracts lacked specifics on working hours, implying constant availability.

Additionally, prosecutors claimed that employees faced significant restrictions, such as having their passports confiscated and needing employer permission to leave the house. The Hinduja family, with an estimated net worth exceeding $46,9 billion, controls a global business empire and owns significant real estate, including the luxurious Raffles Hotel in London.

The Hinduja family’s legal team has denied all allegations, arguing that their staff were treated with respect and that their compensation included room and board. They contested the portrayal of work conditions, suggesting that the workday hours were exaggerated and that employees willingly returned to their positions, often earning more than they would in their home countries.

Ajay Hinduja testified that he had limited knowledge of the day-to-day conditions as recruitment was managed by the Hinduja Group in India. He mentioned that all hiring is now conducted locally through third parties, ensuring formal payment methods.

Despite the trial’s high-profile nature, Prakash and Kamal Hinduja did not attend, citing health issues, though they were reported to be traveling internationally. Prosecutors criticized their absence and recommended prison sentences and significant financial penalties for the family.

The Hinduja family’s legal representative, Romain Jordan, condemned the indictment as excessive and biased, asserting their confidence in the judicial process. While a civil settlement was reached regarding worker exploitation, the criminal case continues to unfold.

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