Prosecutions and Seizures

Quebec Region

American fugitive arrested in Montréal

Montréal, Quebec, March 18, 2009 — The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that its officers arrested Thomas Qualls, a U.S. citizen wanted in New York State for fraud crimes. He had been profiled on America’s Most Wanted. The arrest was made by enforcement officers from the CBSA Investigations Section in downtown Montréal on March 17, following a joint investigation with the United States Marshals Service.

Mr. Qualls was a fugitive wanted by U.S. authorities since fall 2008. His case went to trial last October but he fled New York State before the jury returned its verdict. He was found guilty of wire fraud, mail fraud and obstruction of justice. It was found that Mr. Qualls had defrauded people of over $922,000. Mr. Qualls is also suspected of having extorted nearly $4 million from his victims to whom he had promised important returns for investing in offshore currency funds.

The CBSA is committed to ensuring that Canada will not be a safe haven for fugitives from justice. This arrest demonstrates the diligence of CBSA officers who work together with their law enforcement partners to protect Canada’s border and communities.

Mr. Qualls will appear before the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. As required under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the Board will review the grounds for his detention within the next 48 hours.

-30-

For media information:

Canada Border Services Agency
Communications – Quebec
514-350-6130