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Eight people have been charged in connection to an alleged human trafficking ring that saw hundreds of migrants smuggled from Canada into the U.S.
The RCMP allege that between July 2022 and June 2023, the group smuggled migrants through communities along the St. Lawrence River across borders into the U.S. and charged them thousands of dollars.
“Dangerous night-time crossings even cost some migrants their lives,” the RCMP said in a news release.
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The investigation into the group began in July 2022. Four people have been arrested, while arrest warrants have been issued for another four suspects.
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Six of the eight suspects are from Quebec, including Montreal, Saint Regis, Akwesasne and Kanesatake, while the remaining suspects are from Akwesasne, Ontario and Cornwall, Ontario.
They range in age from 21 to 51 years old.
The RCMP thanked a number agencies for aiding in the investigation, including OPP, Canada Border Services Agency, Ministry of Finance, Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service, Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
“While collaboration with our partners was key in bringing this group to justice, I would also like to remind the public to remain vigilant and inform us immediately if they see suspicious activity on our borders to help authorities put an end to this type of dangerous exploitation,” Etienne Thauvette, officer in charge of the Cornwall detachment, said in a statement.
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“Many people from all over the world come to North America desperately seeking a better life,” he added. “Transnational criminal networks are exploiting that desperation to profit from these men, women and families, with no concern for their welfare.”
Eight migrants died last year while trying to cross illegally into the U.S. through Akwesasne Mohawk Territory, which straddles provincial and international boundaries and includes regions of Quebec, Ontario and New York state.
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