The former operators of a Canberra massage parlour are facing legal action after allegedly underpaying seven Filipino workers more than $900,000 and threatening to have their families killed if they complained to the immigration department.

The Fair Work Ombudsman is taking legal action against Canberra man Colin Kenneth Elvin, who formerly owned and operated the ‘foot&thai’ massage parlour in Belconnen and the company he formerly operated, Foot&Thai Massage Pty Ltd. The massage parlour’s then supervisor, Filipino man Jun Millard Puerto, who was sponsored by Mr Elvin’s company on a 457 skilled worker visa, is also facing court.

Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James. Credit:Andrew Meares

In a Statement of Claim lodged in the Federal Court, the Fair Work Ombudsman alleges that Mr Elvin and his company, with the assistance of Mr Puerto, systematically exploited seven Filipino workers at the ‘foot&thai’ massage parlour in Belconnen between June 2012 and February 2016.

Six women and one man aged in their 20s and 30s who spoke limited English were allegedly underpaid a total of $912,809 and subjected to coercion, discrimination and adverse action.