Ibragim Dzhambetov has filed a compelling lawsuit against two transportation companies, accusing them of egregious labor violations and misconduct. On February 24, 2025, Dzhambetov submitted his complaint to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, targeting Atlas Freight Inc. and Fulger LLC. This case sheds light on alleged systemic exploitation within the freight industry.
Dzhambetov's complaint details a litany of accusations against his former employers, Atlas Freight Inc. and Fulger LLC. He claims that during his employment from November 23, 2023, to December 16, 2024, he was misclassified as an independent contractor despite being under complete control by the defendants. According to Dzhambetov, he was required to adhere strictly to company-mandated routes and schedules while using company-provided equipment—actions that align with employee status rather than that of an independent contractor. This misclassification allegedly deprived him of rightful wages and overtime pay under both federal and state laws.
The plaintiff further accuses the defendants of workplace discrimination in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Illinois Human Rights Act. A significant point in his claim is the unlawful deduction of $2,500 from his wages as a "deposit" which was never returned. Additionally, Dzhambetov alleges he was subjected to labor trafficking practices; unauthorized wage deductions and coercive tactics left him financially dependent on his employers.
Dzhambetov also highlights tax fraud as part of his allegations against Atlas Freight Inc. and Fulger LLC. He asserts that they evaded payroll taxes by misclassifying him as an independent contractor, resulting in substantial self-employment tax liabilities for him amounting to $26,732.16. Furthermore, he accuses the companies' Safety Management team of instructing drivers to deceive Department of Transportation inspectors—a practice that not only violated safety regulations but also endangered public safety.
In response to these alleged violations, Dzhambetov seeks compensatory damages totaling over $1 million for unpaid wages, statutory penalties, lost benefits, self-employment tax liability, and punitive damages due to willful misconduct by the defendants. He also requests referrals for criminal investigations into potential tax fraud and labor trafficking activities conducted by Atlas Freight Inc. and Fulger LLC.
Represented by unnamed legal counsel in this filing before Judge John Robert Blakey and Magistrate Judge Heather K. McShain under Case ID 1:25-cv-01901—Dzhambetov’s case stands as a significant challenge against corporate malpractice within the freight industry.