Gujarat Man Faces Serious Charges in US Human Trafficking Case
A 42-year-old man from Gujarat has been apprehended in the United States on multiple grave charges, including human trafficking, sexual abuse, rape, and theft by deception. The arrest follows disturbing allegations made by two women who were previously employed by him at a local business in Kentucky.
Arrest and Investigation Details
According to the Paducah police department in Kentucky, Vikas Patel, who works as a travel agent, was taken into custody on Monday afternoon and is currently held at the McCracken County Jail. This arrest culminated from a comprehensive investigation that was initiated in December 2025 after a woman approached law enforcement with a complaint concerning her employment and housing arrangements with Patel.
The initial complainant informed investigators that she had worked for Patel and entered into an agreement to rent an apartment from him during her tenure. However, after moving into the apartment, Patel allegedly began withholding her entire wages, a condition that was not part of their original rental agreement. Police detectives later verified that her wages were indeed deposited into a bank account belonging to Patel.
Allegations of Sexual Misconduct
Further complicating the case, the woman alleged that during her employment, Patel repeatedly made unwanted sexual advances and inappropriately touched her. Based on these serious accusations, detectives expanded their probe, which prompted a second woman to come forward with additional information.
The second complainant revealed to police that she worked for Patel while she was under 18 years of age. During that period, she claimed that Patel subjected her to commercial sexual activity involving another man. She also recounted that after leaving Patel's employment, she was contacted to retrieve her personal belongings. When she arrived at a hotel, she was allegedly lured into a room by Patel and sexually assaulted by an unknown male.
Charges Filed Against the Accused
Based on the findings of the investigation, Patel has been formally charged with several offenses. These include human trafficking involving commercial sexual activity of a minor, first-degree sexual abuse, first-degree rape under complicity, and theft by deception involving an amount under $10,000.
The case highlights the severe nature of the allegations and underscores the importance of thorough police investigations in addressing such crimes. The arrest serves as a reminder of the legal consequences faced by individuals involved in human trafficking and sexual abuse, regardless of their geographical location.
