ED investigates 262 Canadian colleges in human trafficking and money laundering case
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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is probing the involvement of 262 Canadian colleges and over 4,000 Indian entities in a money-laundering case linked to the alleged trafficking of Indian nationals into the United States via Canada.
The investigation stems from the tragic death of an Indian family at the Canadian border in January 2022.
The family - 39-year-old Jagdish Patel, his wife Vaishaliben, and their children, 11-year-old Vihangi and three-year-old Dharmik - froze to death during a blizzard while allegedly attempting to cross into the United States illegally. Originally from Dingucha village in Gujarat, the family reportedly paid smugglers for assistance in their journey.
Taking cognizance of an FIR filed by the Ahmedabad Police, the ED registered a complaint under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The main accused, Bhavesh Ashokbhai Patel, along with others, allegedly orchestrated a scheme to send Indian nationals to the U.S. via illegal routes through Canada, involving human trafficking and fraudulent activities.
The accused reportedly secured admissions for individuals in Canadian colleges and universities to obtain student visas. However, instead of attending these institutions, the individuals crossed the U.S.-Canada border illegally. The fees paid to the colleges were later refunded to the individuals' accounts, according to the ED.
The accused charged between Rs 55 lakh and Rs 60 lakh per person for facilitating illegal entry into the United States. The ED’s investigation revealed that two entities, based in Mumbai and Nagpur, acted as intermediaries, securing admissions in foreign universities on a commission basis. These entities reportedly referred thousands of students annually to various colleges abroad.
One entity referred 25,000 students each year, while the other referred over 10,000. Around 1,700 agents operated in Gujarat, with 3,500 others spread across India, including 800 active agents. Agreements existed between these entities and 112 Canadian colleges, while another 150 colleges had arrangements with the second entity.
On December 10 and 19, the ED conducted searches at eight locations in Mumbai, Nagpur, Gandhinagar, and Vadodara as part of its probe. The agency continues to examine the extent of the network and its operations.