The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is currently investigating a major human trafficking and money laundering case involving Canadian colleges and Indian entities. The case traces back to the tragic death of a four-member Indian family from Dingucha village, Gujarat, who perished in freezing conditions while attempting to illegally cross the Canada-US border on January 19, 2022.
The ED initiated its probe based on an FIR filed by Ahmedabad Police against Bhavesh Ashokbhai Patel and others, who are accused of orchestrating an elaborate human trafficking network. Patel and his associates allegedly charged victims between Rs 55 and Rs 60 lakh per person, promising illegal entry into the US via Canada.
Search operations were conducted on December 10 and December 19, 2024, across eight locations in Mumbai, Nagpur, Gandhinagar, and Vadodara under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The operations led to the freezing of bank accounts worth Rs 19 lakh, the seizure of two vehicles, and the confiscation of incriminating documents and digital devices.
Modus Operandi: The accused facilitated fake admissions of Indian nationals into Canadian colleges and arranged student visas. Upon reaching Canada, instead of attending classes, the individuals illegally crossed the Canada-US border. The fees paid to these colleges were often refunded to the individuals' accounts.
Two Indian entities, one based in Mumbai and the other in Nagpur, reportedly acted as intermediaries, arranging student admissions to Canadian colleges on a commission basis. Investigations revealed that approximately 25,000 students were referred annually by one entity and over 10,000 by the other.
Additionally, around 1,700 agents from Gujarat and 3,500 agents from across India, with 800 actively operational, were identified as part of the network. Over 112 Canadian colleges have agreements with one entity and more than 150 with the other.
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Mangal',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: HI;">The ED continues its investigation into the involvement of these colleges and agents, highlighting a disturbing nexus exploiting vulnerable individuals under the guise of educational opportunities.

illustration of family illegally crossing Canada -America border

Indian students lured with fake college admissions for illegal US entry ED uncovers scam

Human Trafficking Scam: ED Probes Canada-India Nexus

Indian students lured with fake college admissions for illegal US entry ED uncovers scam

December 26, 2024 | 12:06 IST