Florin Iordache : “RCMP: Human Smuggling Group Linked to Dead Migrants in St. Lawrence River”

A human trafficking ring recently uncovered by the RCMP has been linked 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, members of two families – four individuals from India and four of Romanian descent, perished in March 2023 while making the dangerous journey in Akwesasne, a First Nations territory spanning Quebec, Ontario, and New York state. Their bodies were recovered from the river on March 30 and 31.

On June 6, authorities announced the arrest of four individuals, including the alleged mastermind, and issued warrants for four others. The RCMP described the group as a “large-scale human trafficking ring that facilitated the illegal entry of migrants into the United States.”

“Two of the eight suspects have been charged in connection with transporting the Indian family that tragically lost their lives,” stated Cpl. Angélique Dignard of the RCMP’s detachment in Cornwall, Ont., in a recent interview.

However, it was not disclosed whether the network was also responsible for smuggling the Romanian family, who were reportedly on the same ill-fated boat.

The four Indian victims were identified as members of the Chaudhari family from the state of Gujarat. The family included Praveenbhai Chaudhari, 50, Dakshaben Chaudhari, 45, Meet Chaudhari, 20, and Vidhi Chaudhari, 23.

The Romanian family comprised Florin Iordache, 28, Cristina (Monalisa) Zenaida Iordache, 28, Evelin Iordache, 2, and Elyen Iordache, 1, both of whom were Canadian citizens.

Akwesasne resident Casey Oakes, who had been linked to the case from its early stages, was last seen operating a boat near the victims the night before their bodies were discovered. His remains were found on July 3 near Ross Island, over three months after the tragic incident.

Authorities noted that the geography of Akwesasne makes it a hotspot for smugglers of humans and contraband.

The bulk of the charges were laid against the alleged mastermind, 51-year-old Thesingarasan Rasiah of Montreal, who now faces 36 counts. Rasiah was already in custody for violating bail conditions related to a separate human smuggling probe when the RCMP issued a warrant for his arrest in June 2023.

Another Montreal resident, 38-year-old Joel Portillo, was apprehended on May 14 on 25 charges related to the smuggling operation.

Despite the arrests, four individuals linked to the group remain at large. Among them is Justin Rourke, 43, from Saint Regis, Que., who is currently detained in the U.S. on unrelated charges.

Authorities are still seeking Shawna Etienne, 47, from Kanesatake, as well as Cheyenne Lewis, 51, from Akwesasne, and Tionna David, 21, from Saint Regis, believed to be secondary transporters. Two other suspects, Mary June Benedict, 48, from Akwesasne, and Michael McCormick, 47, from Cornwall, turned themselves in and are awaiting court appearances.

“While the alleged organizers primarily reside in Canada, the smuggled migrants hailed from India, Romania, and Sri Lanka,” a document revealed, adding that migrants were charged up to $6,000 US for border crossings and up to $35,000 US for international travel documents.

Cpl. Dignard expressed hope that the arrests would serve as a deterrent and urged the public to report any suspicious smuggling activities to the authorities. However, she acknowledged the likelihood of continued smuggling attempts and assured ongoing RCMP investigations into such criminal activities.

The Canadian Border Services Agency declined to comment, while the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security did not respond to requests for statements.

&copy 2024 The Canadian Press