A 22-year-old Indian man, identified as Shivam, has pleaded guilty in a United States court for his involvement in a conspiracy to smuggle Indian nationals across the US-Canada border. He was indicted in 2025 and, after entering his guilty plea, is scheduled to be sentenced on September 4. Under US law, Shivam faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 15 years. His immigration status in the US, including when he entered the country and whether he is undocumented, remains unknown.
Details of the Smuggling Operation
According to court documents, Shivam directed smuggling operations from October 2024 through June 2025. He coordinated with drivers to pick up individuals from designated spots along the border and transport them to safe houses in northern New York. His role involved arranging for drivers to pick up aliens at the border and move them further into the United States, specifically to stash houses in northern New York and hotels in Plattsburgh, New York.
Financial Arrangements
Shivam was the mastermind behind the operation. He received payment for his role and, in turn, paid his drivers for each person they smuggled. On January 25, 2025, Shivam directed a co-conspirator to smuggle 12 aliens from India and the United Kingdom from Canada into the United States. He paid his co-conspirator $100 per alien smuggled.
Busting the Ring
The smuggling ring was uncovered during a chase near the border after border agents became suspicious of two vehicles. On January 26, 2025, US Border Patrol agents attempted to stop two vehicles traveling in tandem near the US-Canada border. Both vehicles accelerated to evade agents, triggering a pursuit. One vehicle went off the road and became immobilized, while the other was later stopped in Mooers, New York. The vehicles contained a total of 12 illegal aliens.
