Five individuals have been charged with federal crimes in connection to an alleged human trafficking operation involving several hotels across Omaha and central Nebraska, according to an announcement from United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods. The charges include conspiracy to engage in labor trafficking, sex trafficking, and harboring undocumented immigrants.
The accused—Kentakumar Chaudhari (also known as Ken Chaudhari), Rashmi Ajit Samani (also known as Falguni Samani), Amit Prahladbhai Chaudhari (Amit), Amit Babubhai Chaudhari (Matt), and Maheshkumar Chaudhari (Mahesh)—were arrested on August 12, 2025. The complaint affidavit provides a detailed account of the allegations, but all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Law enforcement agencies executed search warrants at four hotel locations: AmericInn at 2920 S 13 Ct., The Inn at 9305 S 145th St., New Victorian at 10728 L St., all in Omaha, and Roadway Inn at 1110 Fort Crook Rd S in Bellevue. Additional searches were conducted at other business premises and residences associated with the suspects, including “Brow and Lash” salons throughout the Omaha area.
Authorities reported that during the operation, they rescued ten minors under twelve years old who were allegedly forced to work long hours in unsafe conditions for little or no pay. Seventeen adult victims were also rescued. According to the complaint affidavit, victims had to pay for their own lodging in unclean and unhealthy environments. One source described finding immigrant victims sleeping on the floor among cockroaches.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office alleges that some defendants participated in a sex trafficking conspiracy involving both minors and adults. Sex trafficking was reportedly encouraged by hotel management, with efforts made to protect these activities from law enforcement detection.
In addition to human trafficking allegations, the defendants are accused of allowing drug trafficking on hotel premises. Drug traffickers allegedly received protection from law enforcement similar to that provided to human traffickers. Overdoses were frequent; one hotel kept Narcan available due to recurring incidents. Witnesses reported visible drug use on hotel property.
One defendant is also charged with conspiring to defraud the U.S. government through fraudulent U visa applications—visas intended for crime victims assisting law enforcement—with one instance involving a staged robbery meant to support a false application.
Further allegations include facilitating illegal entry into the country for workers destined for employment at these hotels and transporting undocumented immigrants between Nebraska and Washington state for fraudulent driver’s licenses costing about $1,000 each.
Federal authorities seized more than $565,000 in cash suspected of being proceeds from illegal activities and have initiated actions to prevent sale or transfer of the implicated hotel properties while investigations continue. Illicit drugs were also confiscated during the operation.
The investigation began after citizens submitted complaints about child labor and sex trafficking via Human Trafficking Hotlines.
Anyone with additional information is urged by the FBI to contact its Omaha field office regarding these or related crimes occurring elsewhere in Nebraska.
United States Attorney Lesley Woods stated: “There is no evil greater than the evil that seeks to trap, oppress, and exploit human beings for profit or pleasure. Where that evil exists, Nebraska law enforcement working together at the federal, state, and local levels, as occurred in this case, will seek it, find it, root it out, and ensure every rescued victim has an opportunity to obtain justice and freedom from their captors.”
Woods also praised collaborative efforts among multiple agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Department of Homeland Security; Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office; Omaha Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Branch; United States Marshals Service; and Nebraska State Attorney General’s Office: “When so many law enforcement agencies come together as one team, united in their relentless pursuit of justice, there is no organized crime network operating within Nebraska’s borders that can escape identification and accountability.”
Special Agent Eugene Kowel of the FBI’s Omaha Field Office commented: “Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery. This investigation revealed victims right here in the heart of the heartland forced into sexual activity, living and working in dangerous and filthy conditions… Our approach to these horrific cases is always centered on the victims.” He encouraged anyone with information about such crimes or who may be a victim themselves to reach out.
Special Agent Mark Zito of ICE HSI Kansas City added: “There is nothing more reprehensible than exploiting human beings… These criminals hide in the shadows… but HSI and our federal partners have no intention of stopping until these predators are brought to justice.”
