NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched an investigation into allegations linking certain Canadian colleges and Indian entities to a human trafficking and money laundering racket. The probe comes after a tragic incident involving the death of an Indian family attempting to cross the Canada-US border illegally.
Tragic Incident Sparks Investigation
On January 19, 2022, a family of four from Dingucha village in Gujarat succumbed to extreme cold while trying to cross the border from Canada to the United States. This tragedy prompted authorities to investigate the broader network involved in facilitating such illegal migrations.
The ED’s inquiry follows an FIR filed by Ahmedabad Police against Bhavesh Ashokbhai Patel and several others, who are accused of orchestrating a large-scale conspiracy to smuggle Indian nationals into the US via Canada. The ED has registered the case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Illegal Admissions and Border Crossings
According to investigators, the accused exploited academic admissions to Canadian colleges as a cover for illegal immigration. Indian nationals were enrolled in Canadian institutions under the pretense of pursuing higher education. After obtaining student visas, these individuals abandoned their studies and attempted to cross into the United States.
The ED found that tuition fees paid to Canadian colleges were often refunded to the migrants’ accounts, raising suspicions of collusion between the institutions and human traffickers. Each individual reportedly paid between ₹55 lakh and ₹60 lakh for these illicit services.
Network of Agents and Institutions
Recent searches conducted on December 10 and December 19 targeted eight locations, including Mumbai, Nagpur, Gandhinagar, and Vadodara. The ED uncovered evidence of two entities based in Mumbai and Nagpur that facilitated these admissions on a commission basis. Together, these entities allegedly referred over 35,000 Indian students annually to foreign institutions, including 25,000 by one entity alone.
The investigation has also identified agreements between these Indian entities and over 150 Canadian colleges. Many of these colleges, particularly those near the Canada-US border, are suspected of being complicit in human trafficking activities. The ED revealed that approximately 1,700 agents in Gujarat and 3,500 across the rest of India were part of this network, with around 800 actively involved.
Seizures and Evidence
During the raids, the ED froze ₹19 lakh in bank accounts, seized two vehicles, and recovered incriminating documents and digital devices. The agency is now examining the role of the implicated Canadian colleges and their possible involvement in the trafficking racket.
This case highlights the darker side of illegal immigration networks that exploit aspiring migrants under the guise of education, with tragic consequences for those involved. The ED is expected to continue its investigation to dismantle the network and hold the perpetrators accountable.
