An Indian national charged with five counts of transporting persons to Jamaica for the purpose of exploitation and five counts of withholding passports for the purpose of committing and facilitating the offence of human trafficking pleaded not guilty to the charges and had his bail extended in court yesterday.

He is Rajesh Gurunani, 36, from a Kingston 10 address. Gurunani is to return to court on May 5 when the matter is set for mention.

Allegations are that the accused, who owns five stores in the Corporate Area and St Catherine, recruited several Indian nationals directly out of India to work in his stores.

It is also alleged that he controls the workers every movement in that they are not allowed to have cellular phones or be involved in relationships.

Further allegations are that the workers are transported to and from work and are not allowed to go out as they wish. Additionally, it is alleged that they do not receive wages.

According to court documents, on Friday March 18, police carried out an operation at Maeven Avenue, Kingston 10, and the accused was found in possession of the passports belonging to his employees. The passports were locked away in a safe in his bedroom.

He was subsequently arrested.