Indian officials are investigating a potential connection between Canadian colleges and two Mumbai-based entities accused of illegally transporting students across the Canadian-U.S. border in a suspected human trafficking operation, according to CBC News. Authorities launched an investigation after a family froze to death while entering the U.S. from Canada in 2022.

Indian authorities began their probe after a family surnamed Patel from India froze to death. They were attempting to cross the border from Manitoba into Minnesota in January 2022. The family had been trying to reach human smugglers on the other side.

These entities are believed to have facilitated student admissions to Canadian universities, helping individuals secure study permits.

India’s Enforcement Directorate found that the two Mumbai-based entities referred more than 35,000 students to colleges abroad each year. The Enforcement Directorate said arrangements were made for Indian nationals to gain admission to Canadian colleges and universities and apply for student visas.

The investigation revealed that more than 250 Canadian colleges and universities had agreements with the two Mumbai entities.

However, India’s Enforcement Directorate said in a press release that, “Once individuals or students reach Canada, instead of joining the university, they illegally cross the U.S.-Canada border and never join any university(ies) in Canada.”

The allegations have not yet been brought to court, and the specific Canadian colleges involved have also not been identified.

In the case of the Patel family, two suspects –– a 50-year-old man from Florida and a 29-year-old Indian national –– were convicted. They were found guilty of running a human trafficking scheme that involved smuggling Indian migrants across the border. Both men are awaiting sentencing.