MONTRÉAL, Aug. 21, 2026 /CNW/ -- An investigation by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has resulted in five charges being laid against Abul Kasim, a 42-year-old resident of Montreal, in connection with an immigration fraud scheme. Proceedings were initiated at the Montreal Courthouse on July 28, 2026. The accused allegedly left Canada in June 2025 and is currently believed to be abroad. As he could not be served with a summons to appear in court, a warrant has been issued for his arrest.

The investigation began in 2024 based on information provided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

A search warrant executed by the CBSA at the individual's residence on May 8, 2025, uncovered evidence indicating that between January 13, 2022, and March 19, 2024, he allegedly helped 65 individuals provide false information in applications for temporary resident visas (TRV) and in asylum claims. He is also alleged to have arranged the entry into Canada of 53 individuals using fraudulently obtained TRVs, enabling them to settle permanently in the country. In addition, during that period, he used four falsified Canadian passports in support of TRV applications by fraudulently impersonating hosts in invitation letters submitted with those applications.

As a result, he has been charged with:

• Conspiracy to facilitate the illegal entry of persons into Canada (Criminal Code, s. 465(1)(c) and Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), s. 117(1));
• Facilitating the illegal entry of persons into Canada (IRPA, ss. 117(1) and (3));
• Counselling or assisting persons to provide false information in visa applications (IRPA, s. 126);
• Using falsified Canadian passports (IRPA, s. 122(1)(b));
• Using passports while knowing they were forged (Criminal Code, s. 57(1)(b)(i)).

According to the investigation, Mr. Kasim allegedly presented himself as an immigration consultant working for a firm with offices in Canada, France, and Bangladesh.

The charges against him must be proven in court.

"Canada welcomes people from around the world through an immigration system built on fairness and integrity. Those who seek to circumvent the rules or exploit the system may face serious consequences. I would like to thank CBSA employees for their vital work in protecting Canada's borders."

-    The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety

"I would like to commend the diligent work of the CBSA's criminal investigators who, in collaboration with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, once again uncovered a fraudulent scheme and helped protect Canada's immigration system."

-    Eric Lapierre, Regional Director General, Canada Border Services Agency, Quebec Region

• The CBSA is responsible for identifying, investigating and pursuing the prosecution of individuals and entities that are connected to immigration fraud, organized crime and other violations of the Customs Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
• Individuals who violate Canada's immigration laws are subject to serious consequences, including criminal charges, court fines, probation, imprisonment and a criminal record. 
• Between April 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026, the CBSA opened 161 criminal investigations into suspected offences under the IRPA.
• If you suspect immigration fraud—such as unauthorized work/study, living in Canada without valid status, or entry based on false documents—you can report it directly to the CBSA:
  • By Phone: Call the Border Watch toll-free line at 1-888-502-9060 (available Monday to Friday, 9 am to 9 pm ET).
  • Online: Report suspected cross-border activities using the CBSA Secure Web Form.
  • Note: Information provided is confidential, and you are not required to give your name.
• Canada is investing $1.3 billion to bolster security at the border and strengthen the immigration system, all while keeping Canadians safe. Information on the Border Plan is available here: The Government of Canada's Border Plan: significant investments to strengthen border security and our immigration system.

• Canada's Border Plan
• 2025 CBSA Year In Review
• CBSA in Quebec: Highlights from 2025

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SOURCE Canada Border Services Agency