Our Bureau
Ahmedabad
In a shocking revelation, Gujarat has been identified as a major hub for human trafficking, with thousands of local agents involved in smuggling Indians into the United States via Canada. An investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered a vast network of over 2,000 agents in Gujarat alone, who are part of a larger group of 4,000 to 4,500 trafficking agents across India.
The scam involves admitting clients to Canadian colleges near the US border on student visas, after which they illegally cross into the US. The ED has discovered over 12,000 financial transactions made to Canadian colleges on behalf of Gujarati “students” between November 2021 and July 2024. These payments were facilitated through Indian financial service companies, which are now under scrutiny.
The illegal immigrants were charged exorbitant commissions, ranging from Rs. 55 lakhs to Rs. 60 lakhs per person by the traffickers. This route was preferred over more perilous journeys due to its relative ease. The ED’s probe is linked to the tragic death of a Gujarati family who froze to death attempting to cross the US-Canada border in January 2022.
Gujarat’s status as a trafficking hotspot is exacerbated by economic factors, with many residents seeking better opportunities abroad. The state police have identified several illegal immigration hotspots, particularly in North Gujarat, where economic constraints drive individuals to seek illegal routes to the US. The ED’s ongoing investigations aim to dismantle these networks and bring perpetrators to justice.
