Shocking Findings: 35,000 Students at Risk in Canada's Illicit Migration Web

In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is conducting thorough investigations into cases of money laundering linked to the illicit movement of Indians from Canada to the United States. This operation has unearthed the involvement of specific Canadian colleges and Indian organizations in facilitating this illegal migration. The spotlight turned to this issue following the tragic death of a Gujarati family in January 2022, who succumbed to the harsh winter conditions while attempting to cross the US border from Canada. The family's demise has brought this activity into sharp focus, prompting the ED to delve deeper into the incident.

The agency has taken stringent action against those involved, filing a case under the Money Laundering Act against Bhavesh Patel and others implicated in this scheme. These individuals reportedly collaborated with human trafficking networks to dupe Indians with the false hope of education and settlement opportunities in Canada and the US. Unfortunately, these promises led many into perilous journeys across the Canadian border into the US. Investigations have shown that the accused charged each victim between Rs. 55 to Rs. 60 lakhs for this dangerous passage.

Interestingly, many of those who traveled to Canada on student visas did not enroll at the promised universities. The ED's probe has identified two organizations based in Mumbai and Nagpur that purportedly help Indian students gain admission to foreign universities. These entities are alleged to smuggle around 35,000 students annually from various colleges across India. The ongoing operations include searches across eight locations, including Mumbai, Nagpur, and Gandhinagar, to gather further evidence on this case.

This intricate case sheds light on the shadowy world of illegal migration and the lengths to which individuals and organizations will go to exploit those dreaming of a better life abroad. The ED's efforts to crack down on this network highlight the challenges facing authorities in combating human trafficking and illegal migration. As the investigation continues, it serves as a stark reminder of the dangers and deceit that can lie behind the lure of foreign shores.