SEATTLE - An Indian national from Kent, Wash., faces up to 10 years in prison after being convicted here yesterday for his role in a large-scale human smuggling network that illegally brought Indian and Pakistani nationals across the U.S.-Canada border into Washington state.

Following a seven-day trial, a federal jury found Harminder Singh, 38, guilty on charges of conspiracy to smuggle and transport illegal aliens, bringing an illegal alien to the United States, two counts of transporting illegal aliens, and one count of harboring an alien. Upon completion of his jail term, the government will seek Singh's deportation from the United States.

Singh's conviction follows a far-reaching investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection into the human smuggling scheme. The multi-agency probe revealed that the defendants charged aliens between $20,000 to $35,000 for passage through Canada into the United States. According to testimony in the case, Singh served as the point of contact for the smuggled aliens and arranged for their transportation to cities throughout the United States.

"This case illustrates that ICE, working closely with our federal and international counterparts, is committed to identifying and dismantling human smuggling operations," said Leigh Winchell, special agent in charge of the ICE Office of Investigations in Seattle. "Individuals who engage in this type of activity will be brought to justice."

During the investigation, Singh was recorded on numerous wire-tapped phone calls discussing smuggling activities with his Canadian co-conspirators. Singh also accompanied a smuggled alien from Seattle to New York, paying $2,000 in illegal transportation costs.

A total of 19 defendants were charged in two separate indictments in connection with the smuggling ring. To date, 11 have been convicted or entered guilty pleas. Four additional defendants are being extradited from Canada to face charges in the United States.

Singh remains in federal custody pending his sentencing. No sentencing date has yet been set.

-- ICE --