New York— A 22-year-old Indian national has been indicted for running an illegal human smuggling operation that transported Indian nationals from Canada into the United States across the northern border. Shivam Lnu directed the smuggling racket from January through June 2025, using multiple drivers, vehicles, and WhatsApp messaging to coordinate the illegal transport of migrants into Clinton County, New York.
Federal prosecutors say the scheme was driven by private financial gain, with charges carrying sentences up to 15 years if convicted.
Key Facts
• 1 count of conspiracy to illegally bring aliens plus 4 counts of illegally bringing aliens for profit; mandatory 5-15 year sentence if convicted on all counts
• January 26, 2025 incident: U.S. Border Patrol agents stopped two vehicles near the border; 12 undocumented individuals were found inside
• WhatsApp messages between drivers and a phone number linked to Shivam revealed coordination including proof-of-life photographs and safe house directions in upstate New York
Shivam allegedly orchestrated the operation with meticulous coordination, relying on encrypted messaging platforms to manage each smuggling run. The federal grand jury in the Northern District of New York returned the indictment on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
The investigation began after U.S. Border Patrol agents attempted to stop two vehicles traveling in tandem near the Canada-U.S. border on January 26, 2025. Both vehicles accelerated to evade agents, triggering a high-speed pursuit.
One vehicle went off the road and became immobilized while the second was later stopped in Mooers, New York. Authorities discovered a total of 12 undocumented immigrants inside both vehicles.
Investigators uncovered WhatsApp messages between one of the drivers and a number connected to Shivam showing repeated coordination of smuggling activities before and during January 2025. The messages allegedly included proof-of-life photographs of migrants and specific directions to safe houses across upstate New York.
Prosecutors allege that Shivam's scheme was driven entirely by private financial gain, making him liable for the most serious charges. The operation spanned six months, suggesting a well-organized criminal enterprise rather than isolated incidents.
Shivam was initially charged by criminal complaint in June 2025 with one count of conspiracy to transport individuals illegally. The formal indictment now expands the charges to include four additional counts related to smuggling for profit.
If convicted on all four counts of illegally bringing individuals into the United States, Shivam faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 15 years in federal prison. Each individual count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years.
the U.S. Justice Department said in a statement regarding the evidence.
This case highlights the ongoing challenge of human trafficking networks targeting Indian nationals seeking entry to the United States. The indictment represents a significant enforcement action against organized smuggling operations along the northern border, where such schemes have become increasingly sophisticated.
The case underscores vulnerabilities in cross-border security and the role of technology in facilitating criminal networks. Authorities continue investigating whether additional individuals were involved in the smuggling operation.
Do You Know?
The U.S.-Canada border spans 5,525 miles, making it the longest land border between any two countries, yet smuggling operations continue to exploit remote crossing points, particularly in upstate New York where dense forests and rural terrain create enforcement challenges.
Key Terms
• Indictment: A formal charge or accusation of a serious crime issued by a grand jury based on evidence presented by prosecutors
• WhatsApp: A messaging application that allows users to send messages, photos, and information over internet connections, often encrypted for privacy
• Clinton County: Located in northeastern New York near the Canadian border, this county serves as a major smuggling corridor for illegal border crossings
• Mooers, New York: A small town in Clinton County, New York, approximately 20 miles north of the state capital Albany, situated near the Canada-U.S. border
• Human Smuggling: The illegal transportation of people across international borders for profit, distinct from human trafficking which involves exploitation and forced labor
META TITLE: Indian National Indicted for Smuggling 12 From Canada Into New York
META DESCRIPTION: 22-year-old Shivam Lnu faces up to 15 years for directing human smuggling operation moving Indian nationals from Canada into US. Details inside.
Asia91 Original