CBSA LAYS CHARGES AGAINST MONTREAL "IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT"

This just released. Apparently the person in question was not a "registered" immigration consultant, but rather one of those people who often represent themselves as such. I am sure there will be more news on this subject.

CBSA Investigation Leads to Fraud Charges Against an Immigration Consultant - MarketWatch


press release

Sept. 26, 2011, 4:10 p.m. EDT

CBSA Investigation Leads to Fraud Charges Against an Immigration Consultant

MONTREAL, QUEBEC, Sep 26, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) filed 149 charges against Yafim Goikhberg, under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Criminal Code. He appeared in court today at the Palais de Justice in Montreal.

Mr. Goikhberg is accused of having induced, aided or abetted people to misrepresent themselves and of using forged documents in order to obtain refugee status or a temporary resident permit. He is also accused of acting as an immigration representative in return for fees without authorization, and communicating false or misleading information to encourage immigration to Canada.

According to the CBSA investigation, at least 48 people submitted applications based on Mr. Goikhberg's advice, and some of them may have their status in Canada revoked. CBSA investigators also discovered that the accused had assumed other persons' identities during his consulting activities.

Public Safety Minister Vic Toews congratulated the CBSA: "I commend the CBSA for its ongoing efforts, together with Citizenship and Immigration Canada, in helping protect people from becoming victims of fraudulent immigration consultants."

Immigration consultants are professionals who, in return for fees, provide people with advice, consultation services, assistance or representation services with regard to their applications to Citizenship and Immigration Canada and the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. These professionals are subject to the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) and must be members of the ICCRC in order to perform their duties in Canada.

The CBSA's Criminal Investigations Program helps protect Canadians and Canada's economy by investigating potential border-related offences and pursuing prosecution of individuals who commit these offences. CBSA investigators investigate offences affecting border security, such as the use of forged documents to enter Canada, smuggling or the illegal import or export of goods that are controlled, regulated or prohibited. In pursuing its investigations, the CBSA works closely and consults with a number other departments and federal enforcement agencies, including Citizenship and Immigration Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.