Four arrested in fraudulent driveway scam

On September 24, 2016, the Ottawa Police Organized Fraud Unit, working jointly with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), arrested members of a fraudulent driveway paving scam that had emerged recently in Ottawa.

Four foreign nationals were arrested and approximately $70,000 in cash was seized. The arrested parties were involved in fraudulent contract work and working without a permit in Canada. An admissibility hearing took place on September 27, 2016, where they were reported for two offenses under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).

All four individuals appeared before the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) for a detention review where they were issued removal orders. The IRB continued their detention.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service at 613-236-1222, ext. 7300, or phone Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477 (TIPS) or toll-free at 1-800-222-8477.

The CBSA encourages citizens to report any suspicious cross border or immigration activities to the Border Watch Toll-free Line: 1-888-502-9060.

Quotes

“The Ottawa Police Service would like to thank the community for their assistance in providing information that led to a speedy and successful investigation. The Ottawa Police Fraud unit advise citizens to be wary when dealing with contractors soliciting work door-to-door.”

-    Detective D. Multari, Ottawa Police Service

“This is an excellent example of law enforcement agencies working together to fight criminal activity. The CBSA is committed to ensuring the immigration process is not compromised by individuals’ intent on profiting from these crimes.”

-    Jeff Davidson, Director, Enforcement and Intelligence Operations Division, Northern Ontario Region, Canada Border Services Agency

Quick Facts

• The IRPA requires all foreign workers to have authorization to engage in employment in Canada.

Links

Information on fraudulent scams
How to report immigration fraud

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For media information

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Canada Border Services Agency

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Media Relations

Ottawa Police Service
Telephone: 613-236-1222 Ext. 5352
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