Indian nationals lured into human trafficking racket with promises of education in Canada
The Enforcement Directorate has launched an investigation into Indian individuals, entities, and Canadian colleges for their alleged involvement in trafficking Indian nationals into the United States through illegal channels at the Canada-US border. This probe is connected to the tragic death of a four-member Indian family from Dingucha village in Gujarat, who succumbed to extreme cold while attempting to cross the border in 2022. The ED has conducted searches across Mumbai, Nagpur, Gandhinagar, and Vadodara in connection with the case, reported hindustantimes.com.
According to the ED, Bhavesh Ashokbhai Patel and his associates orchestrated a conspiracy to send Indians to the United States under the pretext of enrolling them in Canadian colleges. The investigation revealed that individuals were granted Canadian student visas but instead crossed into the United States illegally. The fees paid to the Canadian colleges were later funneled back into the accounts of those running the racket. Victims were reportedly charged between ₹55 and ₹60 lakh per person for this illegal service.
Enforcement Directorate uncovers a human trafficking racket involving Indian nationals entering the US via Canada under the guise of student visas
The ED’s investigation, initiated after an FIR filed by the Ahmedabad Crime Branch, found that two entities—one based in Mumbai and another in Nagpur—had agreements with Canadian institutions to facilitate student admissions. These entities referred thousands of students annually, with one managing over 25,000 referrals and another more than 10,000. The ED further disclosed that approximately 112 Canadian colleges were linked to one of these entities, while another had agreements with over 150 institutions. The involvement of these colleges in the human trafficking operation is under scrutiny.
The tragedy that occurred in 2022 brought attention to this well-organized human trafficking operation, highlighting the dangers faced by individuals attempting illegal entry into the US. The ED’s ongoing probe seeks to dismantle the network and bring those responsible to justice.
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