Arrest and Charges
A 28-year-old man, identified as Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel, also known as “Dirty Harry,” has been arrested in Chicago on human smuggling charges. Patel is accused of recruiting a driver, Steve Shand, to transport migrants from the Canadian border to the Chicago area.
Fatal Incident
The arrest comes more than two years after a family of four from India tragically froze to death while attempting to enter the U.S. from Canada. The victims, identified as Jagdish and Vaishaliben Patel and their children, 11-year-old Vihangi and 3-year-old Dharmik, perished in a blizzard near the border.
Investigation Details
Shand, who was allegedly paid $25,000 by Patel for multiple trips, awaits trial on human smuggling charges. Authorities uncovered evidence of Patel’s involvement through cellphone records showing coordination for the illegal trafficking. The case revealed Patel’s history of illegal entry into the U.S. and aliases he used.
Continuing Developments
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to uncover further details about Patel’s alleged human smuggling operation. The tragic incident has shed light on the dangers faced by migrants seeking entry into the country and the criminal networks facilitating such journeys.