Ottawa Police have charged a local man in connection with an extensive immigration-fraud investigation and are appealing for victims across Canada to come forward. The case spans multiple provinces and highlights how unlicensed immigration consultants continue to exploit vulnerable newcomers through deception and false promises.
The Ottawa Police Service has charged 35-year-old Vinay Pal Singh Brar of Ottawa following a months-long investigation into alleged immigration-related frauds that occurred between January and July 2024. The inquiry began after multiple victims came forward reporting large financial losses and unfulfilled immigration applications.
Investigators allege Brar operated under several aliases, including Gagandeep Singh, Warisdeep Singh, Waris Singh, Waris Deep Sehmi, and Harsh Harsh, while presenting himself as a legitimate immigration consultant. Police say he used these false identities to collect money from individuals seeking assistance with visa or residency applications.
Brar faces multiple charges, including two counts of fraud over $5,000, two counts of possession of stolen property over $5,000, assault, assault by choking, and uttering threats. Police believe there may be additional victims across Canada, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area, Calgary, Vancouver, and Surrey, British Columbia.
According to police, victims were persuaded to pay large sums of money for what they were told were guaranteed immigration services. Many were later left without legal status or documentation, and attempts to contact the consultant were unsuccessful once payments had been made.
Authorities say the accused used a variety of tactics to gain trust, including fabricated letters, official-looking documents, and false assurances of connections within government departments. Investigators believe the operation may have targeted dozens of victims nationwide, exploiting their limited understanding of Canadian immigration procedures.
Ottawa Police are now urging anyone who has had contact with the accused or his known aliases to reach out to their local law enforcement agency. The investigation remains active, and police suspect additional victims may still be unaware that they were defrauded.
The case underscores a broader trend of unlicensed immigration consultants preying on newcomers to Canada. Officials are reminding residents that only individuals licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants are authorized to provide immigration services for a fee. Victims of suspected fraud are encouraged to report to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
