Indian-Origin Man Jailed for Smuggling 800+ Indians into US Using Uber

A man of Indian origin has been handed a prison sentence of over three years for using the Uber app to smuggle more than 800 Indian nationals into the United States. Rajinder Pal Singh, also known as Jaspal Gill, confessed to earning over $500,000 by facilitating the illegal entry of hundreds of Indian citizens from Canada into the US. The Department of Justice announced that Singh, a California resident, received his sentencing on Tuesday in a US District Court, charged with Conspiracy to Transport and Harbor Certain Aliens for Profit and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.

Rajinder Pal Singh’s involvement in the smuggling ring spanned a four-year period, during which he arranged the transportation of more than 800 individuals across the northern border and into Washington State. Acting US Attorney Tessa M. Gorman highlighted the risks posed to both security and the safety of those being smuggled on the lengthy journey from India to the US. Gorman emphasized that Singh exploited the aspirations of the Indian nationals for a better life in America while burdening them with exorbitant debts, sometimes reaching up to $70,000.

Court documents revealed that Singh and his co-conspirators utilized Uber to transport the illegally crossed individuals from Canada to the Seattle area. The operation involved over 600 trips between mid-2018 and May 2022. The smuggling ring’s activities resulted in charges exceeding $80,000 across 17 Uber accounts linked to the operation.

In addition to smuggling, Singh and his accomplices employed sophisticated methods to launder the illicit profits. Singh admitted as part of his plea agreement that the complex financial transactions were intended to conceal the illegal nature of the funds. During the investigation, authorities discovered approximately $45,000 in cash and counterfeit identification documents at one of Singh’s California residences.

Given Singh’s lack of legal presence in the US, he is expected to face deportation after serving his prison term. The case underscores the abuse of ride-hailing platforms for illicit activities and highlights the ongoing efforts to combat human smuggling operations.

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