"It is where enormous economic value is currently going to waste, largely unnoticed.”

Investigators believe the scale and coordination of the activity point to organised criminal networks operating across multiple jurisdictions.

In a joint statement backed by more than 30 organisations, it warned that previous protests framed as peaceful had “led to harassment, intimidation, and violence against Hindu Canadians, devotees, and temple management”.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he had moved to terminate the pair’s legal status, adding they were now in custody pending removal proceedings.

Founded in 1926, Then India Sanmarga Ikya Sangam has grown into one of the country’s largest community organisations, managing a network of schools and early childhood centres.

Across Australia, the $13.5 million program, run by the Department of Home Affairs, has uncovered millions in unpaid wages, threats of visa cancellation, and cases of modern slavery.

AFP personnel based in Islamabad recently took part in a National Dialogue focused on improving criminal justice responses to trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants in Pakistan.

Key source countries include New Zealand, the United Kingdom and China, while Australians are increasingly returning from destinations such as Indonesia and Japan.

Tarsem Singh appeared in court in Darke County this week, where he was formally charged over the February incident that claimed the life of 17-year-old Ashlee Holmes.

Eligible projects include community hubs and centres, museums, libraries and art spaces, meeting and conference facilities, performance spaces and sporting areas.