News release

Suspected smuggler charged with conspiracy

February 20, 2025 - Valleyfield, Quebec
From: Federal Policing Eastern Region

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An investigation by RCMP Federal Policing – Eastern Region has led to charges being laid against an individual who allegedly helped to smuggle people from Canada to the United States. Kamalanathan Kathapillai, 61, of Barrie, Ontario, is charged with conspiracy to commit an offence in the United States, under section 465 of the Criminal Code.

According to the investigation conducted by the Valleyfield Detachment, Mr. Kathapillai conspired to transport a group of four people to an unguarded location on the Canada-US border on April 25, 2024. He was arrested that same day in his vehicle in Dundee, in the Montérégie region. During the interception, the police seized Can$1,100, US$1,100 and the accused's vehicle as offence-related property.

He is scheduled to appear at the Valleyfield courthouse on March 10.

Ensuring border integrity

The RCMP works with many Canadian and American law enforcement partners, playing an important role in protecting the Canada-US border. Human smuggling is a criminal enterprise that spans the globe. Smugglers facilitate the entry of people into Canada or the United States by illegal means, while making a profit from them. By charging their passengers large sums of money to transport them, human smugglers have turned illegal migration into a lucrative business.

Appeal to the public

Do you have information on the illegal activities of individuals or groups of individuals? Contact the RCMP at 514-939-8300/1-800771-5401 or your local police department.

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