By Trend News Line 2024-06-15 16:49:42.
The Tragic Incident
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a human smuggling ring has been uncovered by the RCMP, shedding light on a devastating tragedy that took the lives of eight migrants. These individuals, hailing from India and Romania, lost their lives while attempting to cross the St. Lawrence River into the United States last year. The incident occurred in March 2023 in Akwesasne, a First Nations territory spanning Quebec, Ontario, and New York state.
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The Victims
Among the deceased were members of the Chaudhari family from the Indian state of Gujarat. The family consisted of Praveenbhai Chaudhari, aged 50, his wife Dakshaben, aged 45, their son Meet, aged 20, and daughter Vidhi, aged 23. The Romanian family, on the other hand, included Florin Iordache, aged 28, his wife Cristina Zenaida Iordache, also aged 28, their two-year-old daughter Evelin, and one-year-old son Elyen, both Canadian citizens.
The Alleged Ringleader
The alleged mastermind behind this heinous operation has been identified as Thesingarasan Rasiah, a 51-year-old resident of Montreal. Rasiah is facing a total of 36 charges, including conspiracy to organize and aid individuals in crossing the border illegally. Reports indicate that approximately $1.4 million passed through accounts linked to Rasiah over a one-year period.
The Arrests
In a significant breakthrough, the RCMP announced the arrest of four individuals, including Rasiah, and issued warrants for four others allegedly involved in the smuggling ring. Joel Portillo, a 38-year-old Montrealer, was also apprehended on 25 charges. However, four individuals linked to the operation are still at large, including Shawna Etienne, Cheyenne Lewis, Tionna David, and Justin Rourke, who is currently in custody in the United States on unrelated charges.
The Investigation
The RCMP’s investigation revealed that migrants from India, Romania, and Sri Lanka were charged exorbitant fees of up to $6,000 US for crossing the border and up to $35,000 US for international travel documents. While the arrests have dealt a blow to the smuggling network, Cpl. Angélique Dignard acknowledges that curbing such crimes entirely may prove challenging.
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The Aftermath
The tragic loss of life and the dismantling of the human smuggling ring have sent shockwaves through the community. As authorities continue their search for the remaining suspects, the hope is that justice will be served for the victims and their families. The Canadian Border Services Agency, the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security remain tight-lipped on the matter, underscoring the complexity and sensitivity of the case.
This report by The Canadian Press offers a poignant reminder of the human cost of illegal activities and the relentless efforts of law enforcement to uphold justice and protect vulnerable individuals..
1. Dismantled human smuggling group tied to dead migrants in St. Lawrence River
2. RCMP investigates dismantled human smuggling group linked to deceased migrants in St. Lawrence River.
