The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) plays a key role in ensuring the integrity of Canada's immigration system. The CBSA announced today the conviction of Balkaran Singh, 45, of Winnipeg for immigration-related offences.
In January 2021, the CBSA began an investigation after Singh, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), attended the Emerson port of entry to obtain work permits for three foreign nationals who accompanied him. Singh claimed he had made employment offers to all three individuals to work in a Gurdwara (a Sikh place of worship) near Winnipeg. CBSA officers denied the work permits due to multiple concerns and indicators and referred the case to the CBSA Criminal Investigations Section.
On December 12, 2023, the CBSA Criminal Investigations Section executed a search warrant at Singh's residence, place of business, and a Gurdwara. A computer, multiple cellular phones, and physical documents were seized as evidence. Digital forensic analysis of the devices proved that Singh did not adhere to the conditions set out in several employment offers at the Gurdwara and also revealed that he had created and procured fraudulent documents for clients of his immigration consultancy.
On February 21, 2024, the CBSA Criminal Investigations laid charges against Singh under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. On October 2, 2024, Singh pleaded guilty in the Manitoba Provincial Court to:
· IRPA Section 126 Counselling Misrepresentation - one count
Singh was sentenced to two-years less a day of house arrest with a curfew, abstention from all intoxicants, prohibition from providing immigration advice, 200 hours of community service, and a $50,000 fine.
