RCMP said Joga Singh Badwal used his position and status “as a spiritual leader within the South Asian community, to assist other members of that community in gaining entry to Canada.”
LANGLEY – An Indo-Canadian Baba or spiritual leader has been charged with human smuggling across the US-Canada border, said the RCMP.
The Federal and Serious Organized Crime (FSOC) division of the Mounties announced Wednesday that Joga Singh Badwal, 64, has been charged with one count of smuggling 10 or more persons, and one count of failing to bring persons for examination upon entering Canada, reported the Langley Advance newspaper.
According to the RCMP, the suspect Badwal is accused of bringing people into the country illegally.
The investigation was lengthy and complex, said Sgt. Laurie White.
White said the investigation started in 2010 after the RCMP found illegal cross border movement between Canada and the U.S.
Along with U.S. immigration and homeland security officials, the RCMP started an investigation focusing on a South Asian male, who was alleged to be using his status as a spiritual leader to help people within the community, gain entry into Canada.
The RCMP partnered with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security, the U.S. Border Patrol, and the Canada Border Services Agency.
Officials did not say what happened to the people who entered Canada illegally, or where they crossed the border.
Insp. Cal Chrustie of FSOC said criminals typically demand large fees in exchange for bringing people across borders illegally. However, police would not comment on any particulars of this case.
The investigation is ongoing.
Badwal is next scheduled to be in court on Feb. 10 in Surrey.
