Gurpreet Singh, 37, sole director and shareholder of Otago Cabs Ltd, appeared before the Dunedin District Court yesterday, where he entered not guilty pleas to the nine charges and elected trial by jury.
In June, the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) laid charges against the defendant and Otago Cabs alleging the exploitation of six temporary workers, which were also denied.
The company’s website boasts of its "friendly and supportive team that values teamwork and collaboration".
But between 2023 and 2024, Singh allegedly "arranged or organised or procured the recruitment" of nine people from India "knowing that recruitment involved one or more acts of deception". Court documents said Singh knew the proposed terms and conditions of their employment would be "materially different" from what was promised verbally and from their individual employment agreements.
People trafficking carries a maximum prison term of 20 years and a fine of up to $500,000.
After being incorporated in February 2022, Otago Cabs expanded from Queenstown to Dunedin, which caused some turmoil in the industry.
While the details of those issues cannot be reported, Singh, at the time, vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
The alleged immigration crimes, laid by the MBIE, coincided with Otago Cabs’ expansion to Dunedin and, online, the firm also advertises its services in Alexandra and Wānaka.
Its website speaks of its "luxury" services, offering personalised chauffeur options and corporate vehicles which "exude elegance and professionalism".
The company describes itself as "more than a taxi service".
"[We are] your all-in-one transportation solution in the enchanting Otago region," it says.
Singh will appear in court again in February.
