Human smugglers trafficked in Canadian passports, posed security threat, RCMP records allege
A sophisticated human smuggling organization based in Montreal has been identified as a significant threat to national security due to its involvement in an international network that trafficked in forged Canadian passports. The allegations, detailed in RCMP files obtained by CBC News, paint a disturbing picture of an organization that was able to circumvent immigration and security protocols with ease.
The organization, uncovered as part of an investigation called Project O-ctopus, was found to have connections to a larger network involved in the fabrication of counterfeit passports. The group boasted access to insiders at embassies who were willing to issue visas for a fee, allowing individuals to bypass regular airport travel and security measures.
Cellphone data, including WhatsApp messages, documents, videos, and photos collected during the investigation revealed the extent of the organization’s reach. The group was implicated in the deaths of nine individuals, including two families, who tragically drowned while attempting to enter the U.S. across the St. Lawrence River in March 2023.
The investigation, which began in July 2022, focused on disrupting human smuggling operations in Cornwall, Ontario, and the nearby Haudenosaunee territory of Akwesasne. Led by the RCMP with support from various law enforcement agencies, the probe uncovered a complex web of criminal activity that spanned international borders.
Raids conducted in June 2023 on three homes in the Montreal area, including the residence of the organization’s alleged leader, Thesingarasan Rasiah, yielded significant evidence. Rasiah, who was charged with multiple human smuggling-related offenses in May 2024, remains in custody awaiting trial.
Evidence extracted from cellphones seized during the raids revealed the organization’s involvement in the production and distribution of forged Canadian passports and visas. Videos and images on the devices depicted the meticulous replication of security features found in genuine Canadian travel documents, raising concerns about the vulnerability of Canada’s passport system.
Former CBSA officer and criminology professor Kelly Sundberg emphasized the urgent need for enhanced security measures, such as biometric identifiers, to protect Canadian passports from sophisticated counterfeiters. He called on the government to prioritize document security to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The investigation also uncovered evidence suggesting that the organization had connections to individuals with political ties and insider knowledge at various embassies. Messages exchanged between members of the network hinted at plans to facilitate the illegal entry of individuals into Canada through deceptive means.
Overall, the findings of Project O-ctopus underscored the complexity and severity of the national security threat posed by the human smuggling organization. The meticulous planning and execution of criminal activities, including the production of counterfeit documents and the exploitation of embassy insiders, highlighted the need for continued vigilance and cooperation among law enforcement agencies to combat such criminal enterprises.
