QUEENS, NY – A Queens Village resident is facing serious charges after allegedly stealing thousands of dollars and forcing a Bangladeshi student to work unpaid while threatening him with deportation.
Rippon Uddin, 39, was indicted on labor trafficking, grand larceny, and related offenses after prosecutors say he imprisoned the victim in his home and coerced him into performing household chores.
Authorities allege Uddin kept the 21-year-old victim locked inside his house for more than a month, using fear and false promises of immigration help to control him.
Key Points
- Rippon Uddin, 39, is charged with labor trafficking, grand larceny, and coercion
- The victim, a student from Bangladesh, was allegedly confined and forced to work unpaid
- Uddin is accused of stealing nearly $19,000 under the guise of hiring an immigration attorney
Prosecutors say student was trapped for 33 days
According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Uddin met the student, who was studying in the U.S. on a visa, through an online management program he operated. Uddin allegedly told the student he could help with immigration paperwork and requested nearly $19,000 in payments to retain an attorney. In September 2023, Uddin instructed the victim to travel to New York for an immigration appointment but instead kept him confined inside his Queens Village home. Prosecutors say the victim was forced to do housework, care for a pet cat, and sleep in the basement.
Threats, isolation, and coercion alleged
Uddin allegedly used a remote system to lock the victim inside the residence and threatened him with deportation if he tried to leave. On one occasion, prosecutors say, Uddin slapped the victim for not cleaning to his satisfaction. During the 33-day confinement, the victim was unable to access the internet to attend classes, putting his visa status at risk. When he eventually contacted the attorney Uddin claimed to have hired, he learned no such arrangement had ever existed.
DA commends victim’s courage
District Attorney Katz credited the victim’s bravery in coming forward and the work of the Human Trafficking Bureau. Uddin was arraigned on charges including labor trafficking, third-degree grand larceny, and coercion. He faces up to seven years in prison if convicted.
Case moves forward in Queens Supreme Court
Uddin pleaded not guilty and was ordered to return to court on December 9 before Justice Peter Vallone. Prosecutors say the investigation remains active as authorities review possible additional fraud or immigration-related violations tied to the case.