US Manhunt Reported to be Sparked in Canadian Jail

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, January 03, 2003

US Manhunt Reported to be Sparked in Canadian Jail

The search for five Middle Eastern men which sparked fears of terrorism in the United States may have started with a tip from a man sitting in a Canadian jail, local press reported on Thursday.

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The search for five Middle Eastern men which sparked fears of terrorism in the United States may have started with a tip from a man sitting in a Canadian jail, local press reported on Thursday.

Canadian Press reported on Wednesday that Michael John Hamdani,who has been in a Toronto jail after a massive phoney passport scheme was busted in October, tipped police to five Middle Easternmen who may have been sneaked into the US.

The FBI of the United States launched a manhunt following the report which, in turn, heightened terrorism fears in the United States during New Year's celebrations.

US officials cautioned they have no specific evidence the men are involved in a terrorist plot but said the men may have connections to a fake ID and smuggling ring that involves some people with terrorist connections.

There has been widespread speculation as to where the five men may have crossed over into the United States.

The New York Daily News said on Thursday, citing an informed source, that they may have slipped in through the Akwesasne reserve which straddles the Ontario, Quebec and New York state borders.

The sources said smugglers operating out of Quebec may have used secret routes to avoid border crossing points.

Hamdani and another man were charged with fraud in October after Canadian police in Brampton, Ontario Province, discovered fake passports and phoney traveler's' cheques.

Canadian police officials in Solicitor General's Department refused to comment on the reports that Hamdani tipped police.

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