Best Wireless stole wages, denied breaks and charged employees for uniforms; AG recovers $750,000

Nishant Garg required to report future business roles after wage theft settlement

September 23, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

The investigation revealed retaliatory actions against employees who complained, including firing, reduced hours and transfers. Image: siraanamwong/Adobe Stock

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Attorney General Letitia James announced on Friday that her office recovered $750,000 in stolen wages for employees of Best Wireless, a now-defunct cell phone retailer that operated 29 stores across New York City, including five stores in Brooklyn, Long Island and Rockland County.

The investigation, initiated by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), uncovered a wide array of labor violations that spanned several years. Best Wireless, once a certified Verizon retailer, systematically ripped off its employees by illegally deducting wages, denying overtime pay, and retaliating against those who raised complaints about their treatment.

At the heart of the investigation were findings that Best Wireless engaged in numerous unethical practices. Employees were forced to bear the financial burden for lost, stolen, or missing merchandise, which the company deducted directly from their wages.

In addition, workers were illegally charged for uniforms and background checks, while others were refused overtime pay despite regularly working long hours. The company also prohibited employees from taking lunch breaks but still deducted their pay as if they had taken them.

A former Best Wireless location at the corner of East 2nd Street and Avenue P in Brooklyn, as pictured in 2019, is now closed following the company's wage theft investigation. Screenshot via Google Street View — A former Best Wireless location at the corner of East 2nd Street and Avenue P in Brooklyn, as pictured in 2019, is now closed following the company’s wage theft investigation. Screenshot via Google Street View

These violations are in direct breach of New York Labor Law and the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

In 2022, a district manager at Best Wireless filed a complaint with Verizon, reporting unfair pay deductions, lack of breaks and overtime pay. After being fired and threatened with legal action for raising these issues, his case was referred to the Attorney General’s Office, which uncovered widespread labor violations at the company.

The investigation revealed retaliatory actions against employees who complained, including firing, reduced hours and transfers. Workers were also charged for lost merchandise, denied overtime, and not provided with proper pay stubs or breaks, among other illegal practices.

Although the company has since ceased operations and is no longer an authorized Verizon retailer, its owner, Nishant Garg, sold the business and is now required to report to the Attorney General’s Office if he assumes any senior management role in another company.

The recovery of $750,000 will be distributed to current and former employees who were victims of these egregious practices.