A federal grand jury has indicted an Indian national, Shivam Lnu, for allegedly coordinating the smuggling of Indian nationals from Canada into the United States. According to court documents, authorities claim that between January and June 2025, Shivam orchestrated illegal crossings across the U.S.-Canada border into Clinton County, New York.
The indictment stems from an incident on January 26, 2025, when U.S. Border Patrol agents pursued two vehicles suspected of transporting undocumented individuals near the border. One vehicle was immobilized after leaving the roadway; the other was stopped in Mooers, New York. A total of twelve undocumented aliens were found in both vehicles. Investigators cited WhatsApp messages linking one driver to a number associated with Shivam as evidence of ongoing coordination for these smuggling operations.
Shivam faces one count of conspiracy to illegally bring aliens into the United States and four counts related to bringing aliens into the country for private financial gain. Each count carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison. If convicted on all four substantive counts, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to fifteen years.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III for the Northern District of New York, and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo Field Office announced the charges.
Acting U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated: “As alleged, this defendant was a manager in an international smuggling operation that was responsible for sneaking an untold number of illegal aliens into our country. We will do everything we can to hold him and every member of his organization accountable under the law. No smuggler is safe in the Northern District of New York.”
Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan said: “Human smuggling across our northern border poses a serious threat to national security and public safety, and exposes vulnerable individuals to extreme risks as they endure harsh elements to illegally enter our country. The indictment underscores how an individual — who himself was unlawfully present in the United States — allegedly orchestrated this smuggling operation that escalated into a dangerous pursuit, compounding the risks and challenges faced by our communities. HSI Massena remains unwavering in our commitment to disrupt these networks and safeguard our communities, working closely with our law enforcement partners to hold those who profit from illegal smuggling accountable.”
This case is prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), which targets leaders and organizers involved in human smuggling throughout North America and beyond through collaboration between agencies such as DOJ and DHS.
Operation Take Back America supports this prosecution as part of its broader initiative against illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations by leveraging resources from multiple federal task forces focused on organized crime.
The investigation involves HSI Rouses Point, U.S. Border Patrol Burke Station, HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit based in Washington D.C., and CBP’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force.
Trial Attorney Chelsea Schinnour from DOJ’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Stitt are leading prosecution efforts.
Authorities remind that an indictment is only an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
