– Human smuggling group
– Dead migrants.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
MONTREAL — A human smuggling operation recently uncovered by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has been tied to the tragic deaths of eight migrants who drowned in the St. Lawrence River while attempting to enter the United States illegally last year.
The victims, comprising four individuals from India and four of Romanian descent, lost their lives in March 2023 while making a perilous journey across the river in Akwesasne, a First Nations territory spanning Quebec, Ontario, and New York state. Their bodies were discovered on March 30 and 31.
On June 6, law enforcement authorities announced the arrest of four individuals, including the alleged mastermind, and issued warrants for four others allegedly involved in the large-scale human smuggling network. The RCMP has described the operation as one that facilitated the illegal transportation of migrants into the United States.
Corporal Angélique Dignard, who oversees operational support at the RCMP’s Cornwall detachment, stated in an interview that two of the suspects have been charged in connection with the transportation of the Indian family that tragically perished. She confirmed that all individuals linked to the smuggling ring have now been charged, effectively putting an end to their activities.
While the RCMP has pressed charges against those responsible for smuggling the Indian migrants, it remains unclear whether the same network was involved in transporting the Romanian family who also met a tragic end.
The deceased members of the Chaudhari family from Gujarat, India, 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, identified as Florin Iordache, 28, his wife Cristina (Monalisa) Zenaida Iordache, 28, and their two young children, were also among the victims.
Alleged Ringleader Faces Multiple Charges
The majority of charges have been levelled against the purported mastermind, 51-year-old Thesingarasan Rasiah from Montreal, who now faces a total of 36 counts. According to an RCMP briefing document, Rasiah was already in custody for breaching bail conditions related to another human smuggling case when the RCMP issued an arrest warrant for him in June 2023.
The investigation uncovered approximately $1.4 million that allegedly passed through accounts associated with Rasiah over a one-year period. Another Montreal resident, 38-year-old Joel Portillo, was arrested on May 14 on 25 charges related to the smuggling operation.
However, four individuals implicated in the smuggling ring remain at large. An arrest warrant has been issued for 43-year-old Justin Rourke from Saint Regis, Quebec, although he is currently detained in the United States on unrelated charges. Law enforcement agencies are actively searching for Shawna Etienne, 47, from Kanesatake, as well as suspected accomplices Cheyenne Lewis, 51, and Tionna David, 21.
Two more individuals, Mary June Benedict from Akwesasne, 48, and Michael McCormick from Cornwall, 47, surrendered to authorities in May and are awaiting court appearances.
The smuggling ring primarily targeted migrants from India, Romania, and Sri Lanka, charging each individual up to $6,000 US for border crossings and up to $35,000 US for international travel documents. Despite the arrests, Cpl. Dignard emphasised that the RCMP will continue to investigate such crimes, acknowledging that smuggling activities may persist.
Authorities Addressing Smuggling Concerns
Authorities have noted that Akwesasne’s geographical location makes it an attractive hub for smugglers involved in both human trafficking and contraband operations. The Canadian Border Services Agency declined to comment on the matter, and requests for statements from the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security went unanswered.
The tragic incident and subsequent arrests serve as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with human smuggling operations. The RCMP hopes that public awareness and cooperation will help combat such criminal activities, though the challenges posed by cross-border smuggling persist.
This report by The Canadian Press was initially published on June 15, 2024.
Joe Bongiorno, The Canadian Press
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– Dismantled human smuggling group tied dead migrants St. Lawrence River RCMP
– Dismantled human smuggling group tied dead migrants St. Lawrence River RCMP tied dead migrants.
