ED says it found 262 Canadian colleges linked to human trafficking ring

In a major finding, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has found that 262 Canadian colleges allegedly entered into agreements with two Indian entities allegedly involved in a large-scale human trafficking ring.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) made a significant discovery when it revealed that 262 Canadian institutions had struck deals with two Indian organizations that were allegedly part of a vast human trafficking ring. (YEAR)

According to the ED, its investigation into one case revealed that “approximately 112 colleagues based in Canada entered into an agreement with one entity and more than 150 with another entity.”

“Furthermore, it is found that there are about 1700 agents and partners based in Gujarat and about 3500 agents and partners of other entities across India and of which about 800 are active,” the ED said in a statement.

The disclosure comes during the investigation of an ED case initiated on the basis of the first information report registered by the DCB, Crime Branch, Ahmedabad city, Gujarat, against Bhavesh Ashokbhai Patel and others after a family of four Indian nationals from Dingucha village, Gujarat was found dead. at the Canada-US border on January 19, 2022.

The Ahmedabad zonal office of the ED also conducted search operations on December 10 and 19 under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 at eight locations in Mumbai, Nagpur, Gandhinagar and Vadodara as part of the ongoing investigation into Bhavesh’s case. Ashokbhai Patel and others (Dingucha case) for hatching a well-planned conspiracy, to send the victims and persons to USA through Canada through illegal channel, thereby committing the offense of human trafficking.

“In the course of the search operations of bank accounts in the tone of ₹19 lakh were also frozen and various other incriminating documents and digital devices were seized,” the ED said.

Two vehicles were also seized, the agency added.

According to the ED, all the accused, in conspiracy with each other, lured “innocent Indian citizens by charging them with a huge amount of ₹55 to 60 lakh per person, because he smuggled them into the US through Canada.”

The ED investigation alleged that for smuggling the ‘Indian nationals to the US illegally, the accused arranged admission of the persons in colleges and universities based in Canada and thereby applied for student visa for Canada. Once the individuals and students arrived in Canada, instead of joining the college, they crossed the US-Canada border illegally and never enrolled in the college(s) in Canada.”

“In this regard, the fee received by the colleges based in Canada has been withdrawn to the account of individuals. Two entities based in Mumbai and Nagpur are found to have entered into an agreement to admit students to universities based in foreign countries on commission. base with an entity that was contacted by a student seeking illegal immigration to the U.S.,” the federal agency said.

“During searches, it is revealed that around 25,000 students are referred by one entity and over 10,000 students by another to various colleges outside India every year,” the agency added.