“The work we do in this space would not be possible without the close collaboration and partnership of our integral local, state, and federal law enforcement partners. Construction fraud can fleece the public, hurt law-abiding business owners, and endanger the lives of workers,” said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. “The expansion of the Construction Fraud Task Force demonstrates the seriousness of our commitment to rooting out illegal activity and creating a safe and fair industry.”

“Wage theft is very clearly a public safety issue,” said District Attorney Bragg. “These workers demanded their fair pay, and in return, we allege, they were targeted with physical violence and threats of deportation. We will not stand idly by while hardworking New Yorkers’ lives and livelihoods are jeopardized. I urge anyone who has been a victim of wage theft or dangerous workplace conditions to call our new Worker Protection Unit at 646-712-0298.”

“At the Manhattan D.A.’s office, we’re holding accountable companies and executives that exploit their workers, whether by jeopardizing their safety or stealing their wages,” said District Attorney Bragg. “The creation of the Office’s first-ever Worker Protection Unit is our latest move to stand up for hard-working New Yorkers. Again and again, we see companies taking advantage of our most vulnerable populations, including low-income and undocumented New Yorkers, and abusing power imbalances to line their pockets. Together with our partners in law enforcement, the legislature, the community, and beyond, we will make sure workers are treated fairly, and bad faith employers who violate the laws are held accountable for their crimes.”

“As alleged in this indictment, the defendants cheated employees and the people of New York City by pocketing wages owed to workers,” said District Attorney Bragg.