Washington DC: A 22-year-old Indian citizen has been indicted in the United States for allegedly running a human smuggling operation that brought Indian nationals from Canada into the country through the northern border.
The accused, identified as Shivam, whose surname was not disclosed, faces one count of conspiracy to illegally bring aliens into the United States and four counts of illegally bringing aliens into the country for private financial gain. A federal grand jury in the Northern District of New York returned the indictment on Wednesday.
According to court documents, Shivam allegedly coordinated smuggling activities between January and June 2025, directing the illegal movement of individuals across the US-Canada border into Clinton County, New York. Investigators said he managed the operation remotely, using intermediaries and digital communication to guide drivers and migrants.
In January 2025, US Border Patrol agents attempted to stop two vehicles travelling together near the border. Both vehicles sped away, triggering a pursuit. One vehicle veered off the road and became immobilised, while the second was later intercepted in Mooers, New York. Authorities found 12 undocumented individuals inside the two vehicles.
The Justice Department said WhatsApp messages recovered from one of the drivers showed repeated communication with a phone number linked to Shivam. The messages allegedly included instructions for crossing points, directions to safe houses in upstate New York, and proof-of-life photographs of migrants, indicating coordinated smuggling efforts on multiple occasions.
If convicted, Shivam could face up to 10 years in prison for each count. A conviction on all four counts related to illegally bringing individuals into the United States would carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 15 years. He was initially charged in June last year through a criminal complaint for conspiracy to transport individuals illegally.
