Trial Opens For Pair Charged With Human Trafficking In Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Two brothers charged with human trafficking are now on trial in federal court in Philadelphia.
Authorities allege they were part of a band of five brothers who worked the scheme that reached from the Ukraine to the US and, ultimately, to Philadelphia.
In opening statements today, federal prosecutor Randall Hsai says the brothers smuggled young Ukrainian men and women to the US for a price, and defendants Omelyan and Stepan Botsvynyuk were the enforcers here, forcing the illegal immigrants to work long hours for little or no pay and using threats and force, including rape, to keep them from fleeing.
But still Hsai says some did eventually flee, and there was a price to be paid.
"You'll hear that on one occasion the defendants visited the mother and 10-year-old daughter of a worker who had fled and threatened to force that daughter into prostitution," Hsai told the jury.
But the defendants have pleaded not guilty. The defense told the jury the workers were willing participants -- they wanted a better life in America -- but that some stole from the brothers and fled. The defense suggests the illegals are now lying to get visas to stay in US.
The remaining brothers have not yet been tried.
Reported by Tony Hanson, KYW Newsradio 1060
