CBSA investigation leads to conviction of individual for immigration-related offences
News release
February 20, 2025 Montréal, Quebec Canada Border Services Agency
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) plays a key role in ensuring the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.
The CBSA announced today that 30-year-old David Stiven Torres Vargas of Colombian nationality has been sentenced to 12 months in prison for immigration-related offences.
On February 18, 2025, Mr. Torres Vargas pleaded guilty to the following charges under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA):
- having avoided control
- returning to Canada without authorization
- using a fraudulent document
This conviction is the result of a CBSA investigation initiated in December 2024. It is in addition to similar convictions related to this individual following CBSA investigations in March 2024 and August 2017 for offences committed in Ottawa and Montreal.
On December 12, 2024, CBSA officers arrested Mr. Torres Vargas, who was wanted under IRPA. This arrest was made possible thanks to the cooperation of SPVM officers who had apprehended him after recognizing him. The individual was charged the same day on behalf of the CBSA.
Quotes
“Border services officers and investigators work tirelessly to ensure the integrity of Canada’s immigration system and to bring those who break our laws to justice. I commend the Canada Border Services Agency for its contribution to protecting our border and our communities.”
- The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of Public Safety
Quick facts
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The CBSA is responsible for detecting, investigating and recommending the prosecution of persons and entities who commit human smuggling and immigration fraud, and other offences under the Customs Act and IRPA.
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Any person convicted of using a fraudulent document to contravene the IRPA is subject to a penalty of up to 14 years imprisonment.
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Report suspicious cross-border activity by calling the Border Watch Line at 1‑888‑502‑9060 (toll-free from Canada and the U.S.).
Contacts
Media Relations
Canada Border Services Agency
Téléphone : 613-957-6500
Email : media@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
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