SEE AMAZON.COM DEALS FOR TODAY
Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Human smuggling ring dismantled
2. Dead migrants in St. Lawrence River
A human smuggling ring dismantled by the RCMP was linked to the deaths of eight migrants who drowned in the St. Lawrence River while attempting to illegally cross into the United States. The victims, members of Indian and Romanian families, tragically lost their lives in March 2023. Four individuals, including the alleged ringleader, have been arrested, with warrants issued for four others. The smuggling ring operated on a large scale, funneling migrants into the United States. The arrests are hoped to deter future criminal activities, although authorities acknowledge the persistent threat of human smuggling across borders. The investigation continues as law enforcement pursues further suspects.
1. Human trafficking operation exposed in St. Lawrence River, RCMP investigation
2. Migrants found deceased in St. Lawrence River linked to dismantled smuggling ring
The Tragic Incident in Akwesasne, Quebec
A human smuggling ring recently dismantled by members of the RCMP was connected to the deaths of eight migrants who drowned in the St. Lawrence River while trying to cross illegally into the United States last year. Members of two families – four people from India and four of Romanian descent – died in March 2023 while trying to make the crossing in Akwesasne, a First Nations territory that straddles Quebec, Ontario and New York state.
Details of the Tragedy
The bodies of the migrants were pulled from the water on March 30 and 31. The deceased Indians were members of the Chaudhari family from the western Indian state of Gujarat. They included 50-year-old Praveenbhai Chaudhari, his 45-year-old wife Dakshaben, their 20-year-old son Meet and their daughter Vidhi, 23. The Romanian family was identified as Florin Iordache, 28; his wife, Cristina (Monalisa) Zenaida Iordache, 28; their two-year-old daughter Evelin and one-year-old son Elyen. Both children were Canadian citizens.
Police Investigation and Arrests
On June 6, police announced they had arrested four people, including the alleged ringleader, and issued warrants for four others. They were all part of a “large-scale human smuggling ring that funnelled illegal migrants” into the United States, RCMP alleged. Two of the eight accused have charges that link them to the transport of the Indian family that perished,” Cpl. Angélique Dignard, operational support for the RCMP’s detachment in Cornwall, Ont., said in an interview.
Charges and Continued Investigation
RCMP laid the bulk of the charges against the alleged ringleader, 51-year-old Thesingarasan Rasiah of Montreal, who is now facing a total of 36 counts. Another Montrealer, 38-year-old Joel Portillo, was arrested on May 14 on 25 charges. But four people wanted for their involvement with the group are still at large. Authorities are still searching for suspected organizer Shawna Etienne from Kanesatake, 47, as well as alleged secondary transporters 51-year-old Cheyenne Lewis from Akwesasne and 21-year-old Tionna David from Saint Regis.
Impact on the Community
Akwesasne resident Casey Oakes, whose name surfaced in connection with the case from its earliest days, was last seen the night before the first victims were discovered operating a boat that was found near their bodies. His body was found on the afternoon of July 3 near Ross Island, just over three months after the migrants were found. Authorities say Akwesasne’s geography makes it a popular spot for smugglers of both humans and contraband.
Conclusion
“While the alleged organizers mostly live in Canada, the smuggled migrants primarily came from India, Romania and Sri Lanka,” the document reads, adding that migrants were charged up to $6,000 US each for crossing the border and up to $35,000 US each for international travel documents. Dignard hopes the arrests will act as a deterrent and encourage the public to alert police to smuggling activities, but says it would be naïve to think others won’t try to transport people across the border.
A Teaspoon Before Bedtime Makes you Lose 32LBS in 2 Weeks.
Related Post : Remember Tiger Wood's Ex Wife, Elin Nordegren ? Take a Look at Her Now.
The Conjoined Twins Abby & Brittany Hensel are No Longer Together.
