MARYCLAIRE DALE, Associated Press
Updated 02:21 p.m., Wednesday, September 14, 2011
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A human-trafficking trial is getting under way in Philadelphia that involves victims allegedly smuggled into the U.S. and forced to work long hours cleaning big-box stores.
Federal prosecutors say five Ukranian brothers smuggled desperate young adults from their homeland and forced them into bondage cleaning Targets, Walmarts and other sites.
The racketeering indictment says the Botsvynyuk (bots-
VIN'-yuk) brothers promised $500 a month and housing — but instead paid little for 16-hour days.
A jury being picked Wednesday will hear openings on Monday.
Only Omelyan "Milo" and Stepan Botsvynyuk are on trial. Two brothers are fighting extradition and one has died.
Investigators don't think retailers knew of the conditions, because they typically hired cleaning crews through subcontractors.
Defense lawyer Joshua Briskin calls the charges serious — and vows to fight them.
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