Investigation Unveils Cross-Border Trafficking
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched an investigation into the alleged involvement of certain Canadian colleges and Indian entities in a money laundering case tied to the trafficking of Indian nationals into the United States from Canada. This probe is connected to the tragic death of a four-member family from Dingucha village in Gujarat, who perished from extreme cold while attempting to illegally cross the Canada-US border on January 19, 2022.
Key Accusations and Findings
The investigation stems from an Ahmedabad Police FIR naming Bhavesh Ashokbhai Patel as the main suspect in a conspiracy to traffic individuals to the US via Canada using illicit channels. The ED has brought charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against Patel and his associates.
The agency discovered that the accused facilitated admissions into Canadian colleges for individuals seeking illegal entry into the US. Once these individuals reached Canada on student visas, they allegedly bypassed college attendance to cross the border unlawfully. The ED claims college fees were reimbursed to personal accounts, indicating a well-orchestrated scheme.
Financial and Operational Scope
The investigation further revealed that individuals were charged between Rs 55 and Rs 60 lakhs each to partake in this trafficking network. Recent raids in Mumbai, Nagpur, Gandhinagar, and Vadodara have uncovered two entities that annually refer over 35,000 students to foreign colleges, potentially linked to this scheme. One entity alone referred 25,000 students, while the other accounted for 10,000.
The ED has identified around 4,200 agents across India, with 800 actively involved in this operation. Among these, approximately 112 Canadian colleges have agreements with one entity, and an additional 150 with another, some of which are located near the Canada-US border and are suspected of participating in the trafficking operations.
Continuing the Investigation
In light of these findings, the ED has frozen Rs 19 lakhs in bank deposits and seized incriminating documents, digital devices, and vehicles. The agency’s ongoing efforts include examining the role of Canadian colleges’ involvement and Indian agents in this human trafficking investigation, aiming to dismantle the nexus facilitating these illegal activities.
The Enforcement Directorate’s actions mark a critical step in addressing this complex and tragic case, seeking justice for the victims and preventing further exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
