Just two agents from Mumbai and Nagpur illegally sent 35,000 Indians abroad annually

260 Canadian colleges linked to human trafficking

New Delhi – The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on 10th December and 19th December at eight locations in Mumbai, Nagpur, and Gujarat’s Gandhinagar and Vadodara. These raids targeted agents involved in facilitating illegal immigration under the pretext of enrolment in Canadian colleges. According to the ED, the investigation revealed that two agents from Mumbai and Nagpur alone sent nearly 35,000 illegal immigrants abroad annually. The probe also uncovered a vast network comprising approximately 1,700 agents in Gujarat and 3,500 across India. Despite action against over 800 agents by various agencies, many remain active. (The lack of stringent punishment emboldens them to repeat such crimes. They should now face the death penalty – Editor).

1. At least two agents from Mumbai and Nagpur established agreements with several foreign universities and colleges to facilitate student migration. These agents prepared the required documents for student visas to enable illegal migration. The ED seized documents, digital devices, and Rs 19 lakhs from the bank accounts of the accused.

2. At least 260 Canadian colleges issued student visas to individuals intending to enter the US illegally via Canada. Investigations are ongoing into the financial transactions of these colleges, including the amounts they charged to migrants. It is reported that those preferring student visas over the dangerous “donkey route” (a term for illegal and hazardous border crossings) paid upto Rs 50 lakhs each. Further inquiries are underway to determine the exact amounts collected by Canadian institutions from these illegal migrants.

3. The ED’s investigation revealed that agents arranged admissions for Indian nationals in Canadian colleges and universities to facilitate their illegal migration to the US via student visas. These individuals, once in Canada, did not attend the colleges but instead crossed the Canada-US border illegally.

Editorial Perspective

Were Indian security agencies and intelligence services asleep while such acts were being carried out ? Strict action should also be taken against those responsible.