The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that Mohammed Elhajabed of Halifax, Nova Scotia, has pleaded guilty in Halifax Provincial Court to three counts of counselling misrepresentation under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). He was ordered to pay a $25,000 fine and has received a sentence of house arrest of 18 months.
On May 11, 2012, CBSA charged three individuals (Ziad El Shurafa, Awni Sakalla and Elhajabed) after a 20-month investigation into the activities of Canada 2000 Immigration and Business Services Inc., an immigration consulting firm located in Halifax, NS. The investigation uncovered a large-scale residency fraud that was carried out over almost five years. Elhajabed was the third individual to be sentenced as a result of this investigation.
Quick Facts
- Each charge represents a situation where the individuals assisted a family in committing residency fraud—creating the fictitious appearance of a Canadian residence for immigrants with Canadian permanent resident status, for the purpose of maintaining that status and obtaining Canadian citizenship. The charges relate to activities dating back to January 2006.
- The Canada 2000 business, which had multiple offices in the Middle East in addition to Halifax, shut down its operation following the execution of multiple search warrants in 2012.
- On September 11, 2014, El Shurafa was found guilty on five offences of counselling misrepresentation under IRPA for 24 months house arrest and a $75,000 fine. In October 2013, Awni Sakalla pleaded guilty to two counts of counselling misrepresentation under IRPA and was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine and received a conditional sentence of 15 months.
- There are serious consequences for those who break Canada’s immigration laws, including possible criminal records, court-imposed fines, probation periods, incarceration and eventual deportation.
- To report immigration fraud in Canada, please call the Border Watch Toll-free Line at 1‑888-502-9060. All information is treated as confidential.
Quotes
“The CBSA does not tolerate fraudulent activities and those who demean the integrity of our immigration system. When wrongdoing is discovered, we work to ensure that the people involved are prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
- Tom Critchlow, Director, Enforcement and Intelligence Operations Division, CBSA Atlantic Region
Associated Links
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Contact
CBSA Atlantic Region Communications
902-426-0900
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