Charges Filed in Forced Labor Case Involving Flooring Company
The Chinese owner of Wellmade Industries, a flooring manufacturing business based in Cartersville, along with his nephew and another immigrant, are facing federal charges linked to a case of forced labor involving Chinese workers.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia announced the indictment of Zhu Chen, his nephew Jiayi Chen, and Jianjun Lu, a Chinese national, on charges of forced labor, conspiracy to engage in forced labor, and concealment of immigrants. These charges stem from alleged illicit practices at the company.
According to U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg, the defendants are accused of threatening foreign workers with violence, deportation, and significant debt. They reportedly forced these individuals to endure long working hours in unsafe conditions and provided overcrowded and unhealthy housing. Hertzberg emphasized that his office will pursue those who exploit vulnerable workers for their own gain.
Allegedly, the three individuals deceived Chinese immigrants into coming to Georgia with promises of legitimate work at Wellmade, but upon arrival, these workers were coerced into 12-hour shifts under perilous conditions. They were paid much less than agreed upon, faced threats of deportation, and were charged excessive fees if they resisted orders. They were forced to live in an apartment owned by one of the suspects, limiting their freedom. Many of these workers were in the U.S. without legal status and felt compelled to comply with the suspects’ demands.
Stephen N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations for Georgia and Alabama, stated that the indictment represents a key advancement in seeking justice for victims of this forced labor operation. He highlighted ongoing efforts to unveil labor trafficking networks and hold accountable those who exploit vulnerable individuals for profit.
Reports indicate an increasing misuse of immigration laws to establish profitable business enclaves across the U.S. These networks, often run by individuals from various backgrounds—such as Indian and Eastern European truck drivers, office workers, and Mexican gangsters—are reported to facilitate both legal and illegal foreign labor under coercive circumstances.
Alarming trends have emerged regarding forced labor allegations against immigrants in the country. For instance, in early 2025, an Indian immigrant doctor was arrested for compelling undocumented individuals to work under duress at his New Jersey residence. Furthermore, late last year, a foreign national was charged with kidnapping a Guatemalan woman and forcing her into a labor situation.
In April of last year, a Chinese-owned company in Ohio was also apprehended for allegedly bringing Chinese workers into the U.S. and subjecting them to conditions resembling slavery.
