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6mo ago

Trial Reveals Details of Smuggling Network Behind Patel Family's Tragic Death

Two men stand accused of human smuggling after a family of four froze to death during an attempted border crossing in January 2022.

A border marker, between the United States and Canada is shown just outside of Emerson, Man., Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods
A lone car enters the US as people block highway 75 with heavy trucks and farm equipment and access to the Canada/US border crossing at Emerson, Man., Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022. The prosecution is expecting to wrap up its case today in the trial of two men accused of human smuggling at the border between Manitoba and Minnesota. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

Overview

  • The trial of Harshkumar Patel and Steve Shand examines their alleged roles in a smuggling ring transporting Indian migrants across the Canada-U.S. border.
  • Prosecutors allege the defendants prioritized profit over safety, leading to the deaths of the Patel family in -30°C blizzard conditions near the Manitoba-Minnesota border.
  • Witness testimony highlights the operation's structure, including the use of student visas, prepaid phones, and tracking software to facilitate crossings.
  • Convicted smuggler Rajinder Singh, who claims to have smuggled over 500 migrants, testified about the network's practices and its alleged connection to the defendants.
  • Defense attorneys argue that Shand was an unwitting participant and Patel was misidentified, while the prosecution points to text messages and financial records as evidence of their involvement.