The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating allegations against certain Canadian colleges and Indian entities involved in a human trafficking and money laundering network. This case stems from the tragic death of a family from Gujarat’s Dingucha village, who succumbed to freezing temperatures while illegally crossing the Canada-US border on January 19, 2022.
The ED’s probe follows an FIR filed by Ahmedabad Police against Bhavesh Ashokbhai Patel and others. Patel is accused of orchestrating a trafficking scheme using Canadian colleges as a conduit. The case has been registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Student Visa Fraud Unveiled
According to ED findings, the accused facilitated admissions to Canadian colleges for individuals who misused their student visas to illegally enter the United States. These individuals, instead of attending the colleges, crossed the Canada-US border unlawfully. Fees paid to these colleges were reportedly remitted back to the individuals’ accounts, raising questions about the complicity of these institutions.
Indian nationals were charged exorbitant amounts—between ₹55 lakh and ₹60 lakh—for participation in the illegal operation. The network’s reach was vast, with agents operating across multiple Indian states and a staggering number of students involved.
Extensive Search Operations by ED
The ED conducted searches across Mumbai, Nagpur, Gandhinagar, and Vadodara on December 10 and 19, uncovering substantial evidence. Two entities—one in Mumbai and the other in Nagpur—had agreements with foreign universities to process student admissions on a commission basis. One entity referred approximately 25,000 students annually to foreign colleges, while the other handled over 10,000 admissions.
The scale of the network is further highlighted by the involvement of 1,700 agents in Gujarat and 3,500 across the rest of India, with around 800 agents still active. The investigation also found that 112 Canadian colleges had agreements with one entity, while another had ties with over 150 institutions. Of Canada’s 262 colleges, a few located near the Canada-US border are suspected of involvement in human trafficking activities.
Assets Seized and Suspicions Deepen
The ED has frozen ₹19 lakh in bank deposits, seized two vehicles, and confiscated incriminating documents and digital evidence. These actions aim to unravel the financial transactions and collaborations underpinning the trafficking racket.
Convictions in Tragic Death Case
The death of the Dingucha family has shed light on the grim realities of human trafficking. Two individuals—Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel, infamously known as “Dirty Harry,” and Steve Anthony Shand—have been convicted of human smuggling. Their operation involved exploiting student visas to transport Indian nationals to Canada and subsequently smuggling them into the US.
Court documents reveal that this scheme was part of a large-scale operation that facilitated illegal migration through fraudulent means. The tragic deaths highlight the dangers and desperation tied to such illegal border crossings.
Impact and Ongoing Investigations
The revelations have put a spotlight on the misuse of international education pathways and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals seeking better opportunities. The ED’s investigation underscores the complexities of tackling human trafficking networks that operate under the guise of legitimate businesses.
As the investigation continues, the ED aims to dismantle the network and bring all involved entities to justice. The case serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with illegal migration and the need for stricter monitoring of student visa programs.