Two men arrested on Maui for alleged labor trafficking of a man from Guatemala
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 Aug. 7, 2026, on eight criminal charges: four counts of first degree labor trafficking, three counts of first degree extortion, and unlawful conduct with respect to documents.
The arrests of the 31-year-old and a 35-year-old brothers were made following the execution of search warrants at a Kīhei residence on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026.
First degree labor trafficking is a class A felony offense punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $50,000 fine. First degree extortion 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 operation was conducted by the Maui Police Department in coordination with the Department of the Attorney General’s Special Investigation and Prosecution Division (SIPD) and the United States Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General.
“Labor trafficking is a calculated crime that exploits vulnerable people for profit and is often deliberately concealed from law enforcement and the public. We will not allow traffickers to operate with impunity,” said Chief John Pelletier.
He continued saying: “Through aggressive investigations and close coordination with our federal, state, and regional law enforcement partners, we will identify those responsible, dismantle trafficking operations, and pursue accountability to the fullest extent of the law. Our message is clear: if you exploit vulnerable members of our community, we will find you and hold you accountable.”
“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.”
“One of the top priorities of the US 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, US 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, call 911.
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