Introduction

In a startling revelation that has sent shockwaves across international borders, an investigation by India's Enforcement Directorate (ED) has exposed a sprawling human trafficking syndicate connected to 260 colleges in Canada. This disturbing development follows the tragic freezing deaths of a Gujarati family who attempted to unlawfully cross the US-Canada border in January 2022.

The Tragic Story of the Patel Family

The Patel family—Jagdish Patel, 39, his wife Vaishali, 35, and their two young children—perished in sub-zero temperatures while being abandoned by traffickers in the midst of a snowstorm. Their harrowing story is just a grim reminder of the dangers faced by families seeking a better life through illegal means.

The Scale of the Trafficking Operation

The ongoing probe indicates that approximately 35,000 illegal migrants are trafficked each year by just two agents based in Mumbai and Nagpur. These agents reportedly charge around ₹50-60 lakh (approximately $60,000 to $72,000) to facilitate student visas and travel, giving hopeful migrants a seemingly legitimate pathway to Canada before being smuggled into the US.

Role of Canadian Colleges

ED's findings spotlight the sinister role of these Canadian colleges, which allegedly issue student visas to individuals who have no intention of attending classes. Instead, these individuals are then coached on how to cross the border illegally. The investigation is delving deeper into the financial transactions involving these institutions and how they profit from endorsing such illicit activities.

Law Enforcement Actions

Recent raids conducted by the ED targeted various locations across Mumbai, Nagpur, Gandhinagar, and Vadodara. The findings revealed that the agents had created an extensive network with around 1,700 local agents in Gujarat and approximately 3,500 nationwide involved in this fraudulent enterprise. Alarmingly, over 800 agents are believed to still be active, despite ongoing crackdowns by law enforcement agencies.

Financial Transactions and Confiscations

The ED has uncovered agreements forged between the Mumbai and Nagpur agents and several Canadian universities, outlining commission-based student admissions, further complicating the already intricate web of illegal immigration. Documents, digital devices, and ₹19 lakh (around $23,000) were seized during these raids, offering a glimpse into the scale of the operation.

Conclusion

This investigation not only raises serious questions about the integrity of educational institutions abroad but also highlights the desperate lengths individuals will go to in search of a better life. As authorities continue their crackdown, many are left to wonder: How many more families will become victims in this global saga of exploitation?

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops!