A federal investigation into a disturbing sex trafficking case in the United States has resulted in a 10-year prison sentence for a Gujarat-origin hotel employee who admitted involvement in crimes related to the sexual exploitation of minors.
According to reports, Kavankumar Patel, a 27-year-old originally from Gujarat who was working in Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced by a federal court after pleading guilty to charges connected to a wider sex trafficking network.
How The Case Came To Light
The case took a shocking turn when federal agents uncovered a disturbing operation involving hidden cameras installed inside hotel rooms. Investigators revealed that Falguni Choudhary, the wife of hotelier Ketan Choudhary, allegedly used these hidden cameras to watch live footage of trafficked underage girls being sexually exploited.
The investigation began after a theft complaint filed at an Americas Best Value Inn (or American Inn) in January 2025 exposed the trafficking network. Once authorities began examining the complaint, they uncovered evidence of organized sexual exploitation involving minors.
Victims And Abuse
According to investigators, the victims included two American teenage girls aged 15 and 16. Authorities stated that the girls were kept under coercive and abusive conditions. They allegedly faced starvation, threats, psychological pressure, and warnings that they would be punished if they reported the abuse to hotel workers or customers. Federal officials described the situation as part of a wider sex trafficking and exploitation operation.
Federal Investigation And Raids
The investigation was carried out by the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF). The probe led to raids on four Nebraska hotels, where investigators gathered evidence connected to trafficking activities. These raids resulted in multiple arrests, the seizure of approximately $565,000 (around ₹5.4 crore), and the discovery of links to a broader trafficking network allegedly involving several motel owners and associates in Nebraska.
People Accused In The Case
Authorities stated that Kavankumar Patel was among six people charged in the case. Others named included Sumit Choudhary, alongside various motel owners and associates allegedly connected to the network. The report states that Patel is expected to face deportation to India after completing his prison sentence.
Separate Case Against Falguni Patel
In a separate but related legal development, US authorities recently arrested 41-year-old Falguni Patel in Florida. She has been charged with the solicitation of a child and sexual assault. The investigation into her role is ongoing.
Court Sentence And Wider Impact
Federal prosecutors argued that Patel knowingly participated in activities tied to the trafficking of minors and helped support operations connected to exploitation. Following court proceedings, the federal court sentenced Kavankumar Patel to 10 years in prison.
The case has drawn significant public attention because of the alleged use of hotel rooms, hidden surveillance cameras, and organized trafficking methods to exploit vulnerable minors. Authorities continue to investigate the broader network and the involvement of other accused individuals.
Also Read: Gujarat-Origin Man Pleads Guilty In $9.5M US Gambling Case, Faces 45 Years In Jail https://www.vibesofindia.com/gujarat-origin-man-pleads-guilty-in-us-gambling-case-faces-45-years-in-jail/
