Four individuals have been arrested and four more are being sought in connection with an alleged migrant smuggling ring in Cornwall, Ontario, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
The investigation, which began in December 2020, uncovered a criminal organization that was allegedly involved in smuggling individuals into Canada from the United States. The individuals were then transported to various locations in Ontario and Quebec.
The four individuals who have been arrested are facing charges of conspiracy to commit human smuggling, aiding or abetting in the commission of an offence, and possession of property obtained by crime. They have been identified as 41-year-old Akram Khalil, 36-year-old Mohamadou Sacko, 36-year-old Mohamedou Mohamedou, and 36-year-old Mohamedou Mohamedou.
The four individuals who are still being sought are 36-year-old Mohamedou Mohamedou, 36-year-old Mohamedou Mohamedou, 36-year-old Mohamedou Mohamedou, and 36-year-old Mohamedou Mohamedou. They are all believed to be residing in the United States.
According to the RCMP, the alleged smuggling ring was charging individuals up to $25,000 to be smuggled into Canada. The investigation also revealed that the organization was using various methods to smuggle individuals, including using boats to cross the St. Lawrence River.
The RCMP is urging anyone with information on the whereabouts of the four individuals who are still being sought to come forward. They are also reminding the public that human smuggling is a serious criminal offence and can result in severe penalties.
This investigation was a joint effort between the RCMP, the Canada Border Services Agency, and the Ontario Provincial Police. The RCMP is also working closely with their American counterparts to locate the four individuals who are believed to be in the United States.
The RCMP is committed to protecting the safety and security of Canadians and will continue to work diligently to combat human smuggling and other forms of organized crime. Anyone with information is asked to contact the RCMP at 1-800-387-0020 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
