The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched an investigation into the involvement of over 260 Canadian colleges in a money laundering case tied to the trafficking of Indians into the United States via the Canada-US border. This investigation is connected to the tragic death of a four-member family from Dingucha village, Gujarat, who perished in extreme cold while attempting to illegally cross the Canada-US border on January 19, 2022.

The ED has taken cognizance of a FIR filed by Ahmedabad Police against Bhavesh Ashokbhai Patel, the prime accused in the case, and others. Patel and his associates are alleged to have masterminded a human trafficking ring, using illegal channels to send individuals from India to the US through Canada. The operation involved fraudulent arrangements for student admissions at Canadian colleges, where the fee paid by the students was allegedly refunded to the traffickers once the individuals crossed into the US instead of attending classes.

The ED revealed that the trafficking racket charged Rs 55 to Rs 60 lakh per person, enticing Indians with the promise of studying in Canada, but ultimately smuggling them into the US. In an effort to dismantle the network, the ED carried out multiple search operations on December 10 and December 19, targeting locations in Mumbai, Nagpur, Gandhinagar, and Vadodara. These searches uncovered that two major entities—one based in Mumbai and the other in Nagpur—had agreements with Canadian colleges to illegally channel students.

According to the ED, around 25,000 students are referred by one entity, while another refers over 10,000 students annually to universities abroad, many of which are located in Canada. Additionally, the agency discovered that there are around 1,700 agents based in Gujarat and 3,500 agents nationwide involved in the scheme. Several Canadian colleges are also under scrutiny for their role in this trafficking network, particularly those located near the Canada-US border.

As part of the investigation, the ED has frozen Rs 19 lakh in bank deposits, seized incriminating documents, and confiscated digital devices and two vehicles tied to the trafficking operations. The probe continues as the agency works to dismantle the network and hold those responsible accountable under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The tragedy involving the Gujarat family, combined with the ongoing investigations, has brought national attention to the illegal immigration and money laundering practices at play, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and vigilance in student visa processes and trafficking prevention.