A Metro Detroit restaurant owner is facing federal charges accusing him of harboring and illegally employing immigrants who were in the United States without authorization, according to an indictment unsealed this week.
Prosecutors allege that Yong Ni, owner of three Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse locations, two in Shelby Township and one in Royal Oak, employed undocumented workers and allowed them to live in homes he owned in exchange for labor.
According to the indictment, Ni housed at least a dozen individuals in Shelby Township properties rent-free while requiring them to work shifts of up to 12 hours at his restaurants.
Federal agents executed search warrants at one of the homes in May 2024 and encountered about a dozen people who said they were living there, prosecutors said.
Authorities later raided the restaurants in May 2025, after surveillance showed workers being transported to and from the businesses.
Investigators identified at least five people working without legal authorization, three of whom were living in another home owned by Ni that he allegedly referred to as “dorms,” according to court documents.
Ni faces 10 counts, including charges of harboring and unlawfully employing immigrants.
Prosecutors also allege that Ni himself was in the United States without legal status and is charged with possessing a fraudulent immigrant visa.
If convicted, Ni could be required to forfeit two properties and three vehicles that authorities say were seized during the investigation.
Court records did not immediately list an attorney for Ni. It was not clear when he was expected to appear in court.
Federal prosecutors have not released additional details about the status of the workers involved.