RCMP Arrests Eight in Cross-Border Smuggling Case

By Isaac White

A tragic incident rocked Akwesasne in March 2023 and led to an investigation that has now revealed a purported large-scale human smuggling operation. The occurrence, which happened under grave weather conditions with passengers who were hesitant to cross, resulted in multikple deaths and initiated the investigation.

The deceased included members of the Chaudhari family from Gujarat, India, Praveenbhai (50) and Dakshaben (45), and their children Meet (20) and Vidhi (23); and the Iordache family from Romania: Florin (28) and Cristina Zenaida (28), and their young children Evelin (2) and Elyen (1), both Canadian citizens.

Casey Oakes, Akwesasne, was suspected of piloting the ill-fated boat and was initially unaccounted for following the tragedy. His body was discovered and identified in July 2023. Oakes’ body was found near Ross Island.

On Thursday, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) issued a press release detailing the culmination of a lengthy investigation into a significant human smuggling network operating across the U.S.-Canada border. The investigation, initiated following the disastrous boat incident from March 2023, has led to substantial law enforcement action to dismantle a criminal operation responsible for illegally transporting individuals across borders.

According to the release, the RCMP has arrested four individuals and issued arrest warrants for another four, all implicated in planning and facilitating dangerous crossings that exploited vulnerable migrants seeking a better life in North America. Those arrested and with warrants include Thesingarasan Rasiah, 51, Montreal, and Joel Portillo, 38, Montreal; Justin Rourke, 43, Akwesasne; Shawna Etienne, 47, Kanesatake; Mary June Benedict, 48, Akwesasne, Cheyenne Lewis, 51, Akwesasne; Tionna David, 21, Akwesasne; and Michael McCormick, 47, Cornwall. These individuals now face several charges highlighting the seriousness and scale of their alleged crimes. All those listed are alleged to have violated Canadian law, as asserted by the RCMP, and have not been convicted of offenses.

The press release highlighted the collaborative efforts that led to these arrests, involving multiple agencies, including the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Ministry of Finance, Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service (AMPS), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USBP), Forensic Accounting Management Group (FAMG), and Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC). This multi-agency cooperation underscores the complexity of the smuggling operations and the broad scope of law enforcement's response.

Inspector Etienne Thauvette, officer in charge of the Cornwall Detachment Central Region Federal Policing Border Integrity Section, commented on the critical nature of the operation, stating, “Many people from all over the world come to North America desperately seeking a better life. Transnational criminal networks are exploiting that desperation to profit from these men, women, and families with no concern for their welfare. 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.”

The Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service (AMPS) shared the following statement on their Facebook page regarding the incident and the investigation:

“INTERNATIONAL HUMAN SMUGGLING RING DISMANTLED - The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has reported that four people have been arrested, and arrest warrants have been issued for four further suspects involved in a large-scale human smuggling ring that funneled illegal migrants into the United States in the area around Cornwall, Ontario. The Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service's investigation into the tragic drownings that occurred during a southbound smuggling event in March 2023 is believed to be connected to the RCMP's investigation. The investigation is still active and AMPS is working very hard with our policing partners in both the U.S. and Canada. We hope to conclude our investigation in the near future. For additional inquiries please email [email protected].”

The RCMP’s recent arrests related to the alleged human smuggling operation highlight ongoing efforts to tackle illegal activities and protect vulnerable populations as a cooperative law enforcement endeavor. Indian Time will continue to update the community as new details emerge.