Prosecutions and Seizures

Atlantic Region

Immigration fraud leads to $25,000 fine

Halifax, Nova Scotia, May 6, 2013 — The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that Hussein Kanfoush, a Canadian permanent resident, pled guilty in Halifax Provincial Court on May 2nd to one count of misrepresentation under section 127(a) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). Kanfoush was fined $25,000.

Kanfoush came under investigation by the CBSA after concerns were raised by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) about his application relating to his permanent residency status. An investigation concluded that Kanfoush had declared he was physically present in Canada for a lengthy period of time, when in fact evidence showed he was not. As a result, Kanfoush was charged by the CBSA in October 2012 with misrepresentation under section 127(a) of the IRPA.

"Immigration fraud is a criminal offence in Canada and damages the integrity of our immigration system," said Albert Price, Manager of the CBSA's Criminal Investigations Division, Atlantic Region. "The CBSA takes this issue very seriously and works to identify, investigate and prosecute those engaging in immigration fraud to the full extent of the law."

The CBSA's Criminal Investigations Division works closely with CIC and CBSA frontline staff to investigate offences under the Customs Act and the IRPA and to bring violators to justice. The CBSA investigates border security offences, such as the use of fraudulent documents to gain access to Canada and immigration-related misrepresentation. Contravening the Act may lead to arrest, criminal charges, fines, prosecution in a court of law and ultimately the possibility of removal for those found to be in violation.

To report immigration fraud in Canada, or if you have any information regarding individuals involved in such activities, call the Border Watch Toll-free Line at 1-888-502-9060. All information is treated as confidential.

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For media information

Canada Border Services Agency
Communications – Atlantic Region
902-426-0900
CommunicationsATL@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

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