Human smuggler charged in Canada
VANCOUVER - A Sri Lankan national who organised the voyage that
brought 492 Tamil asylum seekers to B.C. nearly two years ago has been
charged by Canada.
Thayakaran Markandu, faces one charge of organising entry into Canada
under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act in connection with the
arrival of the MV Sun Sea on Vancouver Island in August 2010.
A Canada-wide warrant has been issued for Markandu's arrest, but
Mounties believe he is living abroad. If convicted, he faces maximum
penalties of life in prison and a $1 million fine.
"Obtaining enough evidence to have Mr. Markandu charged is an
important step in holding those responsible for perpetrating this human
smuggling scheme accountable, and demonstrates the dedication of border
integrity investigators," RCMP Supt. Derek Simmonds of the B.C. Federal
Border Integrity Program said in a release.
He said that Mounties are working with police around the world to
locate Markandu and have him arrested and extradited to stand trial in
Canada.
As of Jan. 20, 21 refugee claims have been completed, of which three
people were accepted as refugees. Five claims were abandoned, while 13
were withdrawn by the claimants because of deportation orders.
In all, 14 passengers on the MV Sun Sea have been ordered out of the
country. The majority of refugee claim hearings are scheduled for the
next few months.
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