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

Mohammad and Aeisha Bhatti, the former owners of Royal India Cuisine, face felony theft charges after failing to pay employees nearly $45,000 from 2021 to 2023. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries launched an investigation after receiving 41 wage theft complaints. The Attorney General filed one count of first-degree theft and nine counts of second-degree theft against the Bhattis. Celeste Monahan from L&I stressed that employers must meet their legal obligations to their employees. Evidence gathered during the investigation revealed that some employees received bounced paychecks, while others were misled about the delivery of their wages.

The unpaid wages included significant amounts, with one employee owed over $20,000 for 692. 45 hours of work. The Bhattis' restaurants have a documented history of wage complaints, with L&I issuing 16 notices of assessment totaling over $128,000 since 2019. Currently, the Lynnwood location operates under new ownership, while the Kirkland site is closed.