St. Stephen woman arrested on human smuggling charge

Four people charged in human smuggling ring, Fredericton, N.B.

FOR DETAILS FROM COURT, SEE THE COURIER WEEKEND, MAY 15

2009/5/13

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/nb/news-nouvelles/releases-communiques/May1309_142458-eng.htm

On May 13, 2009, the RCMP’s Atlantic Region Immigration and Passport Section (I&P) , working closely with the RCMP’s Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET) in New Brunswick, arrested four people alleged to be involved in the illegal transport of migrants into the United States. These arrests are part of an ongoing RCMP investigation which began in New Brunswick and expanded to include activity in Ontario.

Human smuggling involves the illegal movement of persons across international borders, with their consent, in exchange for a sum of money. At this point of the investigation the RCMP have intercepted two migrants from Guyana this group was attempting to smuggle into the United States. However, it is believed that more will be revealed as the RCMP continues its investigation.

Savita Singh, 43, of St. Stephen and Vaughn McLuskey, 71, of Fredericton were arrested in New Brunswick while Ontario residents Mohammed Habib-Yusef, 53, and Ravindra Hariprasad, 36, were arrested in Scarborough, ON. All four face charges of criminal conspiracy to violate immigration laws, and will appear in court in St. Stephen, N.B. on May 14.

“Human smuggling is often connected to other serious crimes, such as drug smuggling and money laundering,” said I&P investigator Sgt. Wesley Blair.

“Since organized crime groups involved in human smuggling are profit-driven, they do not often distinguish between migrants who are looking for a better way of life and migrants who are dangerous criminals.”

Anyone who suspects human smuggling activity in their community can provide information by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, New Brunswick’s Coastal Watch program at 1-800-665-6663 or contacting their local RCMP or police detachment.