How bedbug exterminators uncovered a human trafficking ring in Texas

Four individuals have been arrested for operating a forced labor scheme in Princeton, Texas.

In Princeton, approximately 45 miles northeast of Dallas, authorities discovered 15 women living in deplorable conditions following a routine welfare check. Fox 4 News reported that the victims were forced to sleep on the floor when not working, with the house devoid of furniture and filled with computers and electronic equipment.

The case came to light after a pest control company called to address a bedbug infestation and alerted law enforcement. According to an affidavit obtained by Fox 4, the inspector observed "3-5 young females sleeping on the floors" in each room and noted "large amounts of suitcases" present.

Four suspects have been charged with human trafficking in connection with this labor exploitation case. Chandan Dasireddy, 24, Dwaraka Gunda, 31, and Santhosh Katkoori, 31, and Anil Male, 37, were arrested in March.

Police investigations revealed that the women were coerced into working for Katkoori and several programming shell companies owned by him and his wife, Gunda.

The scope of the forced labor scheme extends beyond the initial location. Authorities have identified multiple sites in Princeton, Melissa, and McKinney, with dozens of victims, including adult males. Electronic devices such as laptops, cell phones and printers along with documents were taken the locations.

Princeton Police Sgt. Carolyn Crawford told Fox 4 News that the operation involved "over 100" individuals, with more than half considered victims. Law enforcement officials anticipate making more arrests as the investigation progresses.

Princeton Police Chief James Waters stated that investigators uncovered "a multitude of other clues and a multitude of other scenes" as they investigated the situation further.

The revelation of this forced labor scheme has shocked the local community. Neighbors expressed disbelief that such activities could occur in their quiet neighborhood. Herbert Logan, a resident, remarked, "I would've never thought that something like this was going on like a few houses down from mine."

Another neighbor, Steven Watkins, admitted to having "no idea about anything" and expressed concern about the duration of the illegal activities, saying, "What was going on before we even moved in here? It's kind of really dark to think about."

Police are not releasing any information regarding the names of the victims or if they attempted to escape. They are still investigating to determine the full extent of this forced labor operation.