October 16, 2008

Five indicted in connection with enslavement of young woman
Afghani girl was living in South King County

SEATTLE - Agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested five South King County residents Wednesday morning after they were indicted on federal charges for conspiring to force a young Afghani girl to work as their domestic servant.

Those charged with conspiracy to engage in forced labor include Federal Way, Wash., residents Mohammad Yousef, 84; Nasima Yousuf, 70; Mohammad Atahee, 37; and Nahid Yousufi, 29. Maruf Yousufi, 42, of Auburn, Wash., was also charged. Mohammad Yousef and Hasima Yousuf were also charged with lying on immigration applications to bring the young woman to the United States, falsely claiming she was Nasima Yousuf's daughter.

According to the indictment, the defendants arranged a marriage between Atahee and the young woman in Afghanistan when she was 13 years old. After arriving in the United States in 2006, the juvenile was forced to live with Atahee where she handled all household tasks against her will.

The young woman reported to Nahid Yousufi that she had been assaulted by Atahee, but she was directed to recant her story. She later was forced to cook, clean and provide childcare to Nahid Yousufi and Maruf Yousufi. In addition, she was not allowed to attend school for a period of time.

The court documents further allege that in January 2008, the young woman was sexually assaulted by Atahee. With the assistance of members of the community, the sexual assault was reported to the police and she was taken from Atahee's home and moved to a safe location.

"The enslavement of children is one of the vilest forms of exploitation playing out in our community and throughout the world," said Leigh Winchell, special agent in charge of ICE's office of investigations in Seattle. "It is a sad reflection on human greed and heartlessness that adults think they can take advantage of a helpless child - particularly one from their home country. ICE is committed to working aggressively to stop these types of crimes and protect the innocent victims."

All five defendants made initial appearances in federal court Wednesday. The trial is set for December 23. If convicted of the conspiracy charge, the defendants face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Convictions for visa fraud carry a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

ICE was joined in this investigation by the Seattle Police Department.

-- ICE --

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was established in March 2003 as the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security. ICE is comprised of five integrated divisions that form a 21st century law enforcement agency with broad responsibilities for a number of key homeland security priorities.

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