U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in conjunction with the FBI, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office, and additional law enforcement entities, executed a federal search warrant in Bartow County on March 26. The operation focused on Wellmade Performance Flooring and several homes, as part of an investigation into labor trafficking and financial crimes tied to the company’s business practices.
The operation led to the arrest of Zhu Chen, owner of Wellmade Industries, and his nephew Jiayi Chen, based on state charges related to labor servitude trafficking. Moreover, numerous victims working at Wellmade Performance Flooring were rescued from exploitation.
ICE Homeland Security Investigations Atlanta Special Agent in Charge, Steven N. Schrank, commented on the operation: “This operation underscores our steadfast commitment to combat labor trafficking and hold accountable those who exploit vulnerable individuals for profit. The arrests of Zhu Chen and Jiayi Chen, along with the rescue of numerous victims, reflect the tireless efforts of HSI and our law enforcement partners. We will continue to leverage all available resources to dismantle these criminal networks and bring perpetrators to justice.”
The HSI encourages anyone with details regarding labor exploitation, human trafficking, or related financial crimes to reach out via the ICE Tip Line at 1-866-347-2423 or email HSI-DALTON-TIPS@hsi.dhs.gov, stressing the importance of public assistance in protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring justice.
For updates on HSI’s efforts, they can be followed on X: @HSIAtlanta.
