A whistleblower who filed a lawsuit against Apple and Infosys on behalf of the federal government brought forth additional evidence supporting his claim that the companies conspired to bypass federal visa laws. The judge had dismissed the case in October, but said it could proceed if the whistleblower brought forth new evidence.
The whistleblower was Carl Krawitt, a former contractor for the two companies. He claimed in his lawsuit that the two companies worked together to get around the necessary process for getting what are usually costly and difficult-to-secure H-1B visas for a pair of Indian workers. Apple steadfastly denied the allegations.
Plaintiff alleges companies skirted visa process
Krawitt claimed the companies acquired the B-1 visas for the workers in a fraudulent manner. These visas are intended for temporary business visuals. He says Apple and Infosys told the government that the Indians were in the country for a business meeting, but they were actually coming to train 75 apple workers over the course of six weeks.
Through this alleged scheme, Infosys would avoid paying the government the higher application fee for H-1B visas and would not have to pay Social Security, Medicare or other fees and taxes that would be due to the government had it followed the rules as written. Apple, then, was a willing participant in the scheme by contracting with the company for workers on B-1 visas, instead of hiring American citizens or green card holders as full-time employees at market-rate compensation. Krawitt claims the company did this to cut costs.
Krawitt submitted an amended complaint in November. He included copies of correspondence that he claimed supported his case.
If you have any information that reveals wrongdoing on the part of a business or organization, particularly in cases involving fraud, speak with a whistleblower attorney at Kardell Law Group to learn more about your legal options.
