CBSA investigation leads to charges related to importation of equipment used to make false identities

Montréal, Quebec, May 8, 2025 –  Djamel Eddine Boutarene, 30, appeared today at the Montreal courthouse.

He is charged of:

Possessing other people’s identity information with the intention of using it to make false documents, contrary to the Criminal Code.

• Making false identifications, including driver’s licenses, permanent resident cards and health insurance cards, contrary to the Criminal Code.
• Having smuggled prohibited goods into Canada, that is, items intended for the making of forged documents, contrary to the Criminal Code.
• Making false or misleading representations by importing goods under false identities contrary to the Customs Act.

The CBSA’s investigation began in November 2023 when border services officers at Mirabel International Airport intercepted a package containing equipment used in the printing of identity cards. Links were made between this package and other interceptions of material with the same destination.

The CBSA investigation led to the arrest of Mr. Boutarene and the seizure of computer equipment in his possession demonstrating that these imported items were intended for the making of false identities, including identities stolen from a financial institution.

A file was submitted to the Public and Criminal Prosecution Service of Canada and charges were filed at the Montreal courthouse on April 2, 2025. These charges will have to be validated by the court.