Indian food restaurateurs face felony charges for not paying employees in Kirkland and Lynnwood

Mohammad Rashid Bhatti, 74, and Aeisha Bhatti, 47, face felony theft charges totaling nearly $45,000 for unpaid wages to employees at their Royal India Cuisine restaurants. They pleaded not guilty at their arraignment on June 4 after the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) received 41 complaints of wage theft. The Attorney General's office subsequently filed one count of first-degree theft and eight counts of second-degree theft against both individuals. Investigations revealed that employees received bounced paychecks or were told their checks were forthcoming but never arrived. Celeste Monahan from L&I stated that employers must meet their legal responsibilities to pay workers.

The Bhattis allegedly had the financial means to pay their employees, as confirmed during the investigation. The Kirkland restaurant has since closed, while the Lynnwood location operates under new ownership. First-degree theft can lead to a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.