U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in collaboration with the FBI, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office, and other law enforcement agencies, executed a federal search warrant at Wellmade Performance Flooring and several residences in Bartow County, Georgia, on March 26th.
The operation was part of an ongoing criminal investigation.
The investigation focused on allegations of labor trafficking involving foreign nationals, as well as financial crimes connected to the employer’s business practices.
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Evidence gathered during the operation led to the arrest of Wellmade Industries’ owner, Zhu Chen, and his nephew, Jiayi Chen, on state charges of trafficking persons for labor servitude.
Authorities also reported that dozens of victims employed at Wellmade Performance Flooring were rescued from labor exploitation.
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“This operation underscores our steadfast commitment to combat labor trafficking and hold accountable those who exploit vulnerable individuals for profit,” stated ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Steven N. Schrank, who also oversees Georgia and Alabama. “The arrests of Zhu Chen and Jiayi Chen, along with the rescue of numerous victims, reflect the tireless efforts of HSI and our law enforcement partners. We will continue to leverage all available resources to dismantle these criminal networks and bring perpetrators to justice.”
HSI is urging anyone with information related to labor exploitation, human trafficking, or financial crimes to contact law enforcement through the ICE Tip Line at 1-866-347-2423. Authorities emphasize the importance of public assistance in protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring that justice is served.
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