By Trend News Line 2024-06-15 18:16:07.
**Human Smuggling Ring Linked to Tragic Deaths of Migrants in the St. Lawrence River**
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In a heartbreaking turn of events, a human smuggling ring recently dismantled by members of the RCMP has been connected to the deaths of eight migrants who tragically drowned in the St. Lawrence River while attempting to cross illegally into the United States last year. The victims, members of two families – four individuals from India and four of Romanian descent – lost their lives in March 2023 while trying to make the perilous journey in Akwesasne, a First Nations territory that spans Quebec, Ontario, and New York state. Their bodies were discovered on March 30 and 31.
**Arrests Made in Connection to Smuggling Ring**
On June 6, authorities announced the arrest of four individuals, including the alleged ringleader, and issued warrants for four others believed to be involved in the operation. The RCMP described the group as a “large-scale human smuggling ring that funneled illegal migrants into the United States.”
Cpl. Angélique Dignard, operational support for the RCMP’s detachment in Cornwall, Ont., revealed that charges have been laid against all individuals associated with the smuggling ring. This successful operation has effectively shut down the group’s operations.
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**Tragic Loss of Life**
The four Indian victims were identified as members of the Chaudhari family from the western Indian state of Gujarat. The family included 50-year-old Praveenbhai Chaudhari, his 45-year-old wife Dakshaben, their 20-year-old son Meet, and their 23-year-old daughter Vidhi. The Romanian family, consisting of Florin Iordache, 28, his wife Cristina Zenaida Iordache, 28, and their two young children Evelin and Elyen, also tragically perished in the incident.
**Alleged Ringleader Faces Charges**
The bulk of the charges have been levied against 51-year-old Thesingarasan Rasiah of Montreal, who is believed to be the mastermind behind the human smuggling ring. Rasiah is facing a total of 36 counts, including charges related to organizing, aiding, and abetting individuals entering Canada and the United States.
Another individual, 38-year-old Joel Portillo from Montreal, was arrested on May 14 on 25 charges related to the smuggling operation. However, four individuals linked to the group remain at large, including Justin Rourke, Shawna Etienne, Cheyenne Lewis, and Tionna David.
**Ongoing Investigation**
The RCMP’s investigation revealed that approximately $1.4 million allegedly transited through accounts linked to Rasiah over a one-year period. The operation primarily targeted migrants from India, Romania, and Sri Lanka, charging them exorbitant fees for crossing the border and obtaining international travel documents.
While the arrests have dealt a significant blow to the smuggling ring, Cpl. Dignard acknowledges that the crime is likely to persist, prompting the RCMP to continue their efforts to combat illegal human trafficking. The hope is that these arrests will serve as a deterrent and encourage the public to report any suspicious activities to law enforcement.
The Canadian Border Services Agency, Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security were unavailable for comment on the matter.
**Conclusion**
The dismantling of this human smuggling ring sheds light on the dangers faced by migrants attempting to cross borders illegally and highlights the importance of cracking down on criminal organizations involved in such activities. The tragic loss of life in the St. Lawrence River serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of human trafficking and the need for continued vigilance in combating this illicit trade..
1. Human smuggling group St. Lawrence River RCMP
2. Dead migrants St. Lawrence River RCMP.
