Four members of the Hinduja family, known as Britain’s wealthiest clan with an estimated net worth of £37 billion ($47 billion), were sentenced to jail by a Swiss court on Friday. The court criticized them for exploiting Indian staff at their Geneva residence, describing their actions as “selfish.”
While cleared of human trafficking charges, Prakash Hinduja, Kamal Hinduja, Ajay Hinduja, and Namrata Hinduja were found guilty of other offenses. Prakash Hinduja and Kamal Hinduja received four years and six months each, while Ajay Hinduja and Namrata Hinduja received four-year terms, according to the presiding judge in Geneva.
The Hinduja Group, managed and controlled by the family, has diverse business interests spanning mobility, digital technology, infrastructure development, lubricants, energy, real estate, and healthcare.
Founded by Parmanand Deepchand Hinduja, the Group began with merchant banking and trade, expanding globally over the past century. Today, it employs over 200,000 people worldwide and operates in major cities globally, alongside all major cities in India.
The family’s legal troubles arose from allegations that they brought servants from India and confiscated their passports upon arrival in Switzerland. Prosecutors argued that the servants were paid poorly and had limited freedom.
In response to the verdict, the Hinduja family expressed dismay and stated they have filed an appeal against the decision, emphasizing their acquittal on human trafficking charges and asserting the presumption of innocence under Swiss law until a final judgment is reached by the highest court.
Contrary to some media reports, the family clarified that there is currently no effective detention of any family members under Swiss law.
