North News
New Delhi, December 26
Enforcement Directorate(ED) officials are investigating the alleged involvement of over 200 Canadian colleges in a human trafficking network. The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) disclosed details of the ongoing probe on Tuesday, following raids conducted on December 10 and December 19 across Mumbai, Nagpur, Gandhinagar, and Vadodara under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The investigation focuses on Bhavesh Ashokbhai Patel and others accused of orchestrating a conspiracy to send Indian nationals to the United States through Canada using illegal channels. This comes after a tragic incident in January 2022, when four members of a family from Dingucha village, Gujarat, were found frozen to death near the Canada-US border.
Modus Operandi
The ED alleges that the accused exploited Canada’s student visa system. They arranged for individuals to gain admission to Canadian colleges or universities and secured student visas. Once these individuals arrived in Canada, they reportedly did not attend the colleges but instead crossed into the United States illegally. Further investigations revealed that fees paid to the Canadian colleges were later refunded to the individuals’ accounts, raising questions about the colleges’ role in the scheme.
Key Findings
During the recent raids, authorities froze ₹19 lakh in bank accounts and seized two vehicles, digital devices, and other incriminating documents. Two entities based in Mumbai and Nagpur were found to have agreements with foreign colleges to facilitate student admissions on a commission basis.
These entities reportedly referred over 35,000 students annually to foreign institutions, including more than 25,000 by one entity alone. They operated with a vast network of agents—1,700 in Gujarat and 3,500 across India—of which around 800 are currently active.
Colleges Under Scrutiny
The ED found that over 260 Canadian colleges, including 112 tied to one entity and more than 150 to another, had agreements with these agents. Their involvement in facilitating the trafficking network is under investigation.
The case has shed light on vulnerabilities in international visa systems and the exploitation of individuals seeking better opportunities abroad. Authorities are continuing their probe to identify all parties involved in the alleged racket.
Background
The case first came to light following an FIR registered by the Ahmedabad Crime Branch in Gujarat. It accused Patel and his associates of luring victims by charging ₹55–60 lakh per person for illegal immigration services. The investigation has since expanded to reveal a complex network of agents and institutions allegedly involved in human trafficking under the guise of student migration. The ED continues to uncover more evidence, aiming to dismantle the trafficking network and hold accountable all those involved.
