ED Uncovers Human Trafficking Racket Tied to Canadian Colleges and Indian Firms
Nagpur, India: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has revealed a significant human trafficking network involving Canadian colleges and Indian firms, including one based in Nagpur. The Nagpur firm, under scrutiny, facilitated admissions to foreign universities and enabled illegal immigration to the United States in return for substantial fees.
According to ED officials, the accused arranged for Indian nationals to gain admission to Canadian colleges and obtain student visas. However, once in Canada, the individuals crossed the border into the United States illegally rather than attending classes. The tuition fees paid to these colleges were refunded to the individuals after their illegal entry into the U.S.
Investigations also revealed the involvement of a Mumbai-based organization in the racket. Raids conducted on December 10 and 19 in both cities exposed the hefty fees charged by these firms, which ranged from ₹60-75 lakh per individual, ₹1-1.25 crore for couples, and ₹1.25-1.75 crore for families with children. The accused exploited the aspirations of Indians seeking a better life in the United States, charging ₹55-60 lakh per person for the illegal migration process.
These firms reportedly facilitated the migration of over 35,000 students annually to foreign institutions, including 112 colleges in Canada. The ED suspects that some Canadian colleges near the U.S. border may have been complicit in the illegal crossings.
The investigation uncovered a widespread network involving thousands of agents and partners, with 800 agents still active. This probe began after the deaths of a family from Dingucha village, Gujarat, who perished near the Canada-U.S. border in January 2022.
The ED’s findings reveal a deeply entrenched operation and underscore the need for stronger enforcement measures to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
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