Togolese man sentenced to 26 months in federal prison for visa fraud in NJ forced labor case

Togolese man sentenced in NJ forced labor case

NEWARK, N.J. — A Togolese citizen living in New Jersey has been sentenced to 26 months in federal prison for his role in the smuggling of girls and young women who were forced to work at hair braiding salons.

Geoffry Kouevi was sentenced Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Jose Linares. Kouevi was found guilty in August 2009 of visa fraud.

Prosecutors say at least 20 people were brought from Togo using fraudulent visas and forced to work for no pay.

Lassissi Afolabi was sentenced in July to more than 24 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiring with his ex-wife and her son to commit forced labor.

Afolabi’s ex-wife faces sentencing in September. Her son received a 55-month prison term.