Indian National Admits To Running Human Smuggling Network In US, Faces Up To 15 Years In Jail

Last Updated:May 15, 2026, 22:28 IST

The youth is expected to be sentenced in September, the Justice Department said.

A 22-year-old Indian national has pleaded guilty in connection with a cross-border human smuggling network that illegally brought people from India via Canada into the United States, the US Department of Justice said.

“An Indian national pleaded guilty today for his role in a scheme to smuggle aliens from India across the northern border with Canada into the United States," the Justice Department said in a press release on Thursday.

Accused Coordinated Illegal Border Crossings Via Canada

The accused, identified as Shivam, confessed to helping organise the operation between October 2024 and June 2025. Investigators said he coordinated transportation for individuals who crossed the US-Canada border unlawfully, arranging for drivers to move them to destinations in northern New York, including hotels and stash locations in Plattsburgh.

Officials alleged that Shivam compensated drivers for every individual transported and was himself expecting financial returns for managing the operation. The youth reportedly paid his “co-conspirator" USD 100 for each person.

“On Jan. 25, 2025, the defendant directed a co-conspirator to smuggle 12 aliens from India and the United Kingdom from Canada into the United States. The defendant paid his co-conspirator $100 per alien smuggled," the Justice Department said.

Authorities said Border Patrol agents had attempted to intercept two vehicles travelling together near the border during the same period. Both vehicles allegedly tried to flee, triggering a chase. One vehicle later ran off the road and got stuck, while the second was eventually stopped in Mooers, New York. Officers discovered 12 people inside the vehicles who were allegedly being transported illegally.

Shivam pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit “alien" smuggling and three counts related to smuggling individuals for financial benefit.

According to the Justice Department, he is expected to be sentenced in September and could face a prison term ranging from a mandatory minimum of five years to a maximum of 15 years.

News world Indian National Admits To Running Human Smuggling Network In US, Faces Up To 15 Years In Jail

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