A human smuggling group has been dismantled by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) after being linked to the deaths of migrants in the St. Lawrence River.
According to the RCMP, the group was involved in the illegal transportation of individuals across the Canada-U.S. border. The investigation, which began in 2016, revealed that the group was responsible for the deaths of at least two migrants who attempted to cross the St. Lawrence River in 2018.
The RCMP worked in collaboration with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to gather evidence and dismantle the group. As a result, 10 individuals have been arrested and charged with various offenses, including human smuggling, conspiracy, and criminal negligence causing death.
The investigation also uncovered the use of dangerous and overcrowded vessels to transport migrants across the border. These vessels were often operated by untrained individuals, putting the lives of migrants at risk.
In addition to the arrests, the RCMP has also seized multiple vessels and vehicles, as well as a significant amount of cash and other assets believed to be linked to the criminal organization.
The RCMP is urging anyone with information about this or other human smuggling activities to come forward and report it to the authorities. They also remind the public that attempting to cross the border illegally is not only dangerous but also a criminal offense.
This successful operation serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat human smuggling and protect the safety of individuals attempting to enter Canada. The RCMP and its partners will continue to work tirelessly to disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations involved in these activities.
