The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched an investigation into a human trafficking network linked to Indian individuals, entities, and Canadian colleges. This probe follows the tragic deaths of a four-member Indian family from Dingucha village in Gujarat, who passed away due to extreme cold while attempting to illegally cross the Canada-US border in January 2022.
ED commenced the investigation based on an FIR filed by the DCB, Crime Branch, Ahmedabad City, Gujarat, against Bhavesh Ashokbhai Patel and others.. According to the statement, the accused conspired to lure innocent Indian nationals, charging them excessive amounts ranging from ₹55 to ₹60 lakh per person, to facilitate their illegal entry into the USA via Canada.
ED, Ahmedabad Zonal Office, conducted search operations on December 10 and December 19, 2024, under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The searches were carried out at eight locations across Mumbai, Nagpur, Gandhinagar, and Vadodara. During the Searches, ED seized two vehicles and froze Rs 19 lakh bank deposits and discovered various forged documents and digital devices.
The ED disclosed that two entities located in Mumbai and Nagpur were involved in facilitating student admissions to foreign universities on a commission basis. One entity facilitated the referral of 25,000 students annually, while another referred over 10,000.
The first entity had agreements with 112 Canadian colleges, and the second with 150 colleges.The modus operandi involved obtaining Canadian student visas for individuals, who, instead of attending college, crossed the US-Canada border illegally. The fees paid to Canadian colleges were then transferred back to the traffickers. The investigation for their engagement continues.
