On Wednesday, an Oregon man originally from Thailand admitted to abusing four Thai nationals who worked at his two Thai restaurants in the US.

Paul Jumroon, also known by his Thai name, Veraphon Phatanakitjumroonm, pleaded guilty to forced labor, visa fraud conspiracy, and filling a false federal income tax return, according to The United States Department of Justice.

Between 2011 to 2014, Jumroon fraudulently obtained E-2 visas to bring four Thais into the US to provide cheap labor at his two restaurants: Curry in a Hurry in Oswego, Oregon, and Teriyaki Thai in Ridgefield, Washington.

The E-2 visas are granted to foreign nationals who invest substantial money in a US business and act as daily operators of the enterprise. They are also given to employees who have special qualifications that make their services essential to that business.

Jumroon reportedly made unfounded promises to the four Thais to entice them to come to the US. But after they arrived, Jamroon used inflated travel expenses, debt manipulation, threats of deportation, serious financial and reputational harm, verbal abuse and control over identification documents to compel the victims to work 12 hours a day, 6-7 days a week with minimal pay.

The four managed to get out of the situation in October of 2013 and 2014 respectively, but it was unclear whether they had returned to Thailand.

“The American dream is built on the belief that hard work can bring about a better life. For the victims in this case, that dream turned into a nightmare of false promises, forced labor and abuse,” said Renn Cannon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon. “These cases are very difficult to identify and work, so we are thankful the courageous victims in this case were able to reach out for help through trusted community contacts.”

As part of the guilty plea, Jumroon agreed to pay all four victims a combined US$131,392 (THB4.1 million) in restitution for their unpaid labor.

Jumroon further admitted to filing multiple false tax returns, and failing to report cash income earned from his restaurants between 2012 and 2015. As part of the plea agreement, he agreed to pay tax past due and owed in the amount of US$120,384 (THB3.76 million) to the IRS.

Jumroon is facing a maximum of 28 years in prison for all charges. His sentencing is scheduled for May 24.

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