The trial of the Indian national who allegedly brought persons into the country to work in his stores without pay was delayed in the Home Circuit Court yesterday.

He is 36-year-old Rajesh Gurunani from a Kingston 10 address, who is to return to court on February 17.

The trial was stalled after the prosecution said that it wasn't ready.

Gurunani has been 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.

He was charged in March during a crackdown by the Organised Crime Investigation Division.

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 the police, the accused was found in possession of the passports belonging to his employees after an operation was carried out at his Kingston 10 premises.

It is alleged that Gurunani was recruiting persons from India for several years.