Four more individuals have been found guilty of immigration misrepresentation and tax evasion in connection to the New Can Consultants and Wellong International Investments immigration fraud case. Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Criminal Investigations sections announced these additional sentences on September 15.
To date, eight people associated with this case have been found guilty in the largest immigration fraud case to take place in British Columbia (BC).
The CBSA disclosed that individuals working on behalf of New Can Consultants provided “false addresses and phone numbers to clients so they could maintain the appearance of residency in Canada while living outside the country.”
The crackdown by CBSA has resulted in nearly half of the company’s 1,600 clients to lose their permanent residency or citizenship status, or face inadmissibility hearings in Canada.
Arrests related to New Can Consultants fraud case
“These investigations and successful sentences demonstrate the Canada Border Services Agency’s commitment to prosecuting individuals who abuse our immigration system. We continue to investigate any case of alleged offences under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and are dedicated to upholding the integrity of our immigration system,” said Harald M. Wuigk, Assistant Director of Criminal Investigations Section at CBSA.
Immigration fraud cases can have serious repercussions on defrauders and their victims alike. Therefore, it is important to remain informed of the various ways immigration fraud may be committed.
Unauthorized immigration representatives
It is critical to verify an immigration representative thoroughly before consulting their services. When it comes to Canadian immigration, an individual can be represented by either a licensed Canadian lawyer who must be a licensed member of the proper Bar Association or Law Society, or a consultant who is a member of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).
Illegitimate job offers
Securing a job offer from an employer in Canada can be beneficial when planning to immigrate to Canada. Many Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams require a job offer. A job offer is also advantageous to candidates in the federal Express Entry pool, who, depending on the job offer, may receive 50 or 200 points based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Therefore, a qualifying job offer may improve a candidate’s potential of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and obtaining permanent resident status.
Potential immigrants who are eager to receive a job offer from a Canadian employer may fall prey to fraudulent job offers. There may be serious consequences for individuals who claim to have obtained a job offer which in reality may be fraudulent. In addition to potential financial and emotional costs, individuals who misrepresent themselves or their situation for immigration purposes— even if advised do so by a representative — may be banned from submitting another immigration application for five years.
Ways to verify validity of a job offer
To learn more about authorized legal services for immigration to Canada, please visit this page.
If you suspect immigration fraud has taken place or may be taking place, please consult this page from the government of Canada.
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