A Kansas jury found six former high-ranking members and associates of the United Nation of Islam (UNOI) guilty of conspiracy to commit forced labor. Kaaba Majeed, a prominent figure within the group, was also convicted on five additional counts of forced labor.
Two other co-defendants had already pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge.
“The United Nation of Islam and these defendants held themselves out as a beacon of hope for the community, promising to educate and teach important life skills to members, particularly children,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Instead, the defendants betrayed this trust, exploiting young children in the organization by callously compelling their labor. Prosecuting this case is a testament to the Justice Department’s unwavering commitment to hold human traffickers accountable. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute parasitic criminals who target vulnerable victims to finance their lifestyles.”
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”The bravery shown by victims of the United Nation of Islam is inspiring, because they spoke up about heinous atrocities committed against them as vulnerable children,” said U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher for the District of Kansas. “In childhood, they suffered physical and emotional abuse, were denied a proper education, and were subject to forced labor. As adults, these victims found the strength and courage to pursue justice and face their abusers.”
The defendants exploited numerous victims, including minors as young as eight, forcing them into unpaid labor for UNOI businesses and personal services. The victims endured deplorable living conditions and harsh punishments, while the defendants lived comfortably.
The defendants controlled victims’ lives through isolation, strict rules, and fear of punishment and eternal damnation.
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Children were separated from families under false pretenses, denied education, and forced to work long hours. Victims faced physical abuse, food deprivation, and psychological torment for breaking rules.
“Under the guise of false pretenses and coercion, these victims, some of whom were as young as eight years old, endured inhumane and abhorrent conditions,” said Special Agent in Charge Stephen Cyrus of the FBI Kansas City Field Office. “Today’s convictions should serve as a stark warning that forced labor will not be tolerated by the FBI.”
Defendants face potential prison terms, with Kaaba Majeed facing up to 20 years and mandatory restitution. The case highlights the Justice Department’s commitment to combatting human trafficking and holding those who exploit vulnerable individuals accountable.
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The FBI, Department of Labor, and New York State Department of Labor played crucial roles in the investigation.
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