Arrests Made in Alleged Migrant Trafficking Networks in Ontario

CORNWALL, ONTARIO — RCMP say four people have been arrested in a large-scale human trafficking ring they say funneled migrants into the United States illegally.

Troopers say they began investigating an alleged people-smuggling operation in the Cornwall, Ont., area in 2022.

They allege that between July 2022 and June last year, the group smuggled hundreds of “desperate” migrants through communities along the St. Lawrence and across the border.

RCMP say traffickers have charged migrants thousands of dollars and some migrants have died from the dangerous nighttime crossings.

They say that, in addition to the four arrested suspects, arrest warrants have been issued for four others.

The suspects are from Ontario and Quebec and are between 21 and 51 years old.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on June 6, 2024.