Massachusetts Pizza Chain Owner Sentenced to 8.5 Years for Forced Labor

Stavros Papantoniadis used threats of deportation and physical abuse to exploit undocumented workers at his Boston-area pizzerias.

Papantoniadis was convicted on multiple counts of forced labor and attempted forced labor involving six undocumented workers.
The workers endured grueling 14-hour shifts, seven days a week, under constant surveillance and threats.
Prosecutors detailed incidents of physical violence, including choking and pursuing employees who attempted to quit.
Papantoniadis manipulated workers' immigration status to maintain control and prevent them from leaving.
The case highlights ongoing issues of labor trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable workers in the U.S.