BROTHERS ARRESTED, INDICTED FOR LABOR TRAFFICKING ON MAUI

News Release 2026-50 from Department of the Attorney General, Aug. 11, 2026

HONOLULU – Brothers Axel Camey Chajil and Brandon Camey Chajil were arrested by Maui police last night and arraigned today on charges related to the alleged labor trafficking of a man from Guatemala to Maui.

A Maui Grand Jury indicted the brothers on August 7, 2026, on eight criminal charges: four counts of Labor Trafficking in the First Degree, three counts of Extortion in the First Degree and Unlawful Conduct with Respect to Documents.

Labor Trafficking in the First Degree is a class A felony offense punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $50,000 fine. Extortion in the First Degree is a class B felony offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. Unlawful Conduct with Respect to Documents is a class C felony offense punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The Department of the Attorney General’s Special Investigation and Prosecution Division (SIPD) partnered with the Maui Police Department (MPD) and the United States Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General and to conduct the investigation.

“Labor trafficking exploits vulnerable people for financial gain and strips them of their freedom and dignity,” said Attorney General Anne Lopez. “These arrests reflect the commitment of our state, county and federal partners to working together to identify labor trafficking, protect victims and hold those who exploit workers accountable.”

“Labor trafficking is a hidden crime that preys on vulnerable members of our community and often occurs behind closed doors. Through strong collaboration with our federal and regional law enforcement partners, we are committed to identifying and investigating these crimes, disrupting trafficking operations, protecting victims, and holding those responsible accountable,” said Maui Police Chief John Pelletier. “These investigations demonstrate the importance of coordinated law enforcement efforts in bringing traffickers to justice and protecting those who are most vulnerable.”

“One of the top priorities of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General is to investigate those who exploit America’s workforce and communities through illegal, violent, or fraudulent means. This investigation reflects our ongoing commitment to protecting vulnerable workers and upholding the integrity of our nation’s labor system. I commend the outstanding collaborative effort of our local, state, and federal partners in Hawaiʻi. Exploitation will not be tolerated in our labor programs. We will confront it with the full force of a coordinated, whole-of-government response and ensure justice is served,” said Anthony P. D’Esposito, U.S. Department of Labor-Office of Inspector General.

The cases, State v. Brandon Camey Chajil, 2CPC-26-333, and State v. Axel Camey Chajil, 2CPC-26-334, are being prosecuted by SIPD Deputy Attorney General Leigh Okimoto.

Axel Camey Chajil and Brandon Camey Chajil are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The public can report corruption, fraud, economic crime and human trafficking through the SIPD “Submit a Tip” website at https://ag.hawaii.gov/sipd/tips/. If there is an emergency or an immediate threat to life, please call 911.

# # #