Prosecutions and Seizures

Prairie Region (including the Northwest Territories)

Calgary woman convicted in elaborate immigration fraud

Calgary, Alberta, January 21, 2013 – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that Aminata Gnokane has been convicted of misrepresentation under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Gnokane, a foreign national who made a fraudulent refugee claim using a false identity, pleaded guilty in the case. A Provincial Court judge sentenced her to one year of house arrest.

In April 2009, the CBSA Criminal Investigations Section launched an investigation of Ms. Gnokane's case, following a tip from the public. CBSA officers discovered that Gnokane had previously filed a refugee claim in Montreal, which was denied. Gnokane then assumed a false identity in Calgary in order to file a second refugee claim and apply for permanent resident status in Canada based on her fraudulent refugee application. Through the diligent work of CBSA officers, Gnokane was prevented from obtaining Canadian citizenship and was criminally charged in January 2011 with seven offences under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

"Thanks to a tip, our CBSA Investigators were able to discover this elaborate immigration fraud and prevent further abuse of our country's generosity," said Lauren D. Delgaty, Regional Director General for the CBSA's Prairie Region. "This significant case demonstrates the CBSA's commitment to upholding the integrity of Canada's immigration programs."

The CBSA works closely with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada to prosecute those engaging in immigration fraud to the full extent of the law.

To report immigration fraud in Canada, please call the Border Watch Line toll-free at 1‑888-502-9060. All information is treated as confidential.

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For media information

Lisa White
CBSA Communications
403-292-4011