The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that it has laid six charges against a Saskatoon resident for his alleged involvement in the distribution of forged immigration documents. Panashe Chaya, 23, faces three counts pursuant to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and three counts pursuant to the Criminal Code.

Canada’s diversity and welcoming of newcomers is part of its national identity, but unfortunately there are those who would exploit our generosity to make a profit. By enforcing the law and cracking down on fraud, the CBSA is preserving the integrity of our immigration system.

Nina Patel
A/Regional Director General, Prairie Region, Canada Border Services Agency

• The CBSA is responsible for enforcing the IRPA and investigates cases of immigration document fraud, immigration consultant fraud, human smuggling, marriages of convenience, and employment of foreign nationals without authorization.

• On February 1, 2016, the CBSA announced charges in a Regina case against two individuals for allegedly committing fraud and acting as unauthorized immigration consultants. Trial is scheduled for 2019.

• On April 19, 2017, the CBSA and Royal Canadian Mounted Police announced the results of Project FADDUCE, a joint investigation into organized human smuggling in southeastern Saskatchewan. Two Regina residents pleaded guilty to one count each under the IRPA and Criminal Code, and were sentenced on May 28, 2018.

• Members of the public can play a key role in keeping our border safe. If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity or immigration-related offences, please contact the CBSA’s Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060. All information is treated as confidential.

Associated links

• Criminal Investigations
• Border Watch Line

CBSA Media Relations
1-844-245-2272
prairiemedia@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca