The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated an investigation into several Indian individuals, entities, and Canadian colleges involved in trafficking Indians into the United States via the Canadian border. This probe is connected to the tragic death of a four-member Indian family from Dingucha village in Gujarat, who perished from extreme cold while attempting to cross the Canada-US border illegally in 2022.

According to a press release, the ED conducted searches at eight locations across Mumbai, Nagpur, Gandhinagar, and Vadodara as part of its ongoing investigation into Bhavesh Ashokbhai Patel, a key suspect. Patel is accused of masterminding a scheme to smuggle victims into the U.S. via Canada through illegal channels.

The Enforcement Directorate’s Ahmedabad Zonal Office carried out the search operations on December 10 and December 19, 2024, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The agency has accused Patel and his associates of conspiring to facilitate illegal migration to the U.S. under the guise of securing Canadian college admissions, thus committing human trafficking offenses.

The agency also outlined the racket’s modus operandi. Indian nationals are granted Canadian student visas and sent to Canada, but instead of attending the colleges, they attempt to cross the U.S.-Canada border. Meanwhile, the colleges involved receive fees, which are then transferred to the individuals behind the operation.