Today, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) announced that charges were laid on October 15, 2014, against Xun Wang, who is alleged to have been involved in an immigration fraud scheme.

The CBSA’s Criminal Investigations Section conducted a lengthy investigation into the activities of Wang’s two unlicensed immigration consulting businesses, which offered services in Metro Vancouver. During the execution of search warrants, CBSA investigators discovered a complex immigration fraud scheme. Wang has been charged with six Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) offences and four Criminal Code offences, including allegations of advising foreign nationals to provide misleading and untruthful statements on their permanent resident card renewal applications, forgery and fraud.

The CBSA alleges that approximately 165 of Wang’s clients were involved in this significant immigration fraud—creating the fictitious appearance of Canadian residency to maintain permanent resident status and obtain Canadian citizenship.

One count of tax evasion and two counts of fraudulently obtaining refunds or credits were also laid against Wang under the Income Tax Act, as a result of collaboration between the CBSA and the CRA’s Criminal Investigations Division, which led to an independent CRA investigation. 

Quick Facts

The CBSA is responsible for investigating cases of alleged contravention of the IRPA, including immigration consultant fraud, residency fraud, misrepresentation, marriages of convenience and employing foreign nationals without authorization.
The CRA’s Criminal Investigations Program investigates suspected cases of tax evasion, fraud and other violations of Canadian tax laws and, where appropriate, refers them to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada.

Quotes

“Immigration fraud is a criminal offence in Canada and damages the integrity of our immigration system. The CBSA takes this issue very seriously and works closely to identify, investigate, and prosecute those engaging in immigration fraud to the full extent of the law.”

Doug Mossey, A/Chief, Criminal Investigations, CBSA

“The CRA works closely with other law enforcement agencies and departments, including the CBSA, to help maintain the integrity of the tax system. Tax evasion costs all of us. The job of our investigators and auditors is to make sure that all Canadians pay the taxes they owe.”

Caroline Darts, Assistant Director, Criminal Investigations, CRA

Associated Links

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Contacts

CBSA Media Relations

Vancouver, British Columbia

604-818-9701

CRA Media Relations

Vancouver, British Columbia

604-666-9389

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Source:: http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=898339