ED uncovers human trafficking network linking 262 Canadian colleges, Indian entities
PTC Web Desk: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has unearthed a significant human trafficking network allegedly involving 262 Canadian colleges and two Indian entities. According to the ED's findings, approximately 112 Canadian colleges were associated with one Indian entity, while over 150 collaborated with another.
The investigation revealed a widespread network of agents operating within India. One entity had approximately 1,700 agents and partners in Gujarat alone, with 800 actively engaged. The second entity had a staggering 3,500 agents and partners across India, playing a crucial role in facilitating this illegal network.
The revelations came during an ongoing investigation initiated by the ED, based on an FIR filed by the DCB Crime Branch, Ahmedabad. The case pertains to the tragic death of four Indian nationals from Dingucha village, Gujarat, who were found frozen at the Canada-US border on January 19, 2022.
The ED's Ahmedabad Zonal Office conducted searches on December 10 and 19 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, at eight locations, including Mumbai, Nagpur, Gandhinagar, and Vadodara. These raids led to the seizure of Rs 19 lakh in frozen bank accounts, incriminating documents, digital devices, and two vehicles.
The investigation uncovered a well-orchestrated scheme where the accused lured individuals with promises of illegal immigration to the US. Victims were charged between Rs 55 lakh and Rs 60 lakh per person.
To execute the scheme, the accused secured admissions for these individuals in Canadian colleges and universities. Student visas for Canada were then arranged. However, instead of attending classes, the individuals used their Canadian entry to illegally cross into the US.
In some cases, the tuition fees paid to the Canadian institutions were allegedly refunded to the individuals' accounts, indicating complicity between the entities and the colleges.
The ED reported that one Indian entity facilitated admissions for around 25,000 students annually to various international colleges, while another processed over 10,000 students per year. These students were often unsuspecting victims who became part of the illegal immigration pipeline.
- With inputs from agencies
