1. Human smuggling group dismantled
2. Migrants found dead in St. Lawrence River tied to dismantled group.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
MONTREAL — A human smuggling ring recently dismantled by members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) was connected to the tragic deaths of eight migrants who drowned in the St. Lawrence River while attempting to cross illegally into the United States in March 2023.
The victims, comprising four individuals from India and four of Romanian descent, lost their lives while trying to make the perilous crossing in Akwesasne, a First Nations territory that spans Quebec, Ontario, and New York state. Their bodies were discovered on March 30 and 31.
On June 6, authorities announced the arrest of four individuals, including the alleged ringleader, and issued warrants for four others. The group was reportedly part of a “large-scale human smuggling ring that facilitated the illegal entry of migrants” into the United States, according to the RCMP.
Charges and Investigations
Cpl. Angélique Dignard, who oversees operational support for the RCMP’s detachment in Cornwall, Ont., revealed that two of the accused individuals were charged in connection with transporting the Indian family that tragically perished.
The alleged ringleader, 51-year-old Thesingarasan Rasiah of Montreal, is facing a total of 36 charges, most of which were laid by the RCMP. Rasiah was already in custody for “failing to comply with bail conditions from an unrelated human smuggling investigation” when the RCMP issued a warrant for his arrest in June 2023.
Continued Investigations and Deterrent Measures
Despite the arrests, Dignard expressed the belief that human smuggling activities may persist, emphasizing the ongoing commitment of the RCMP to investigate such crimes. She hopes that the arrests will serve as a deterrent and encourage the public to report any suspicious smuggling activities.
“I think it’s a crime that is unfortunately going to continue, and the RCMP will continue to investigate,” she stated.
International Connections and Charges
The human smuggling operation reportedly involved migrants primarily from India, Romania, and Sri Lanka. Migrants were allegedly charged up to $6,000 US each for crossing the border and up to $35,000 US each for international travel documents.
Two additional individuals, Mary June Benedict from Akwesasne, 48, and Cornwall resident Michael McCormick, 47, turned themselves in last May and are awaiting court appearances.
The Canadian Border Services Agency declined to comment, and requests for input from the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security went unanswered.
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 to dead migrants in St. Lawrence River
– RCMP investigation into dismantled human smuggling group tied to dead migrants in St. Lawrence River.
