The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) announced that 35-year-old Vinay Pal Singh Brar of Ottawa has been charged in connection with a national immigration fraud investigation involving multiple victims across Canada.
According to police, an investigation launched in September 2024 revealed that between January and July 2024, Brar posed as an immigration consultant, offering fraudulent visa and permanent residency services to foreign nationals seeking to immigrate to Canada.
The accused allegedly defrauded victims of thousands of dollars, promising them work permits, permanent resident status, and sponsorship opportunities through fake documentation and non-existent application processes.
Multiple Criminal Charges Laid
Following a thorough investigation by OPS’s West Criminal Investigations Unit, Brar faces the following charges:
- Two counts of Fraud Over $5,000
- Two counts of Possession of Stolen Property Over $5,000
- One count of Assault
- One count of Assault by Choking
- One count of Uttering Threats
The suspect allegedly operated under several aliases, including:
- Gagandeep Singh
- Warisdeep Singh
- Waris Singh
- Waris Deep Sehmi
- Harsh Harsh
Police believe Brar used these alternate identities to obscure his fraudulent activity, establish trust with victims, and operate across provincial jurisdictions.
Ottawa Police Seek Additional Victims Across Canada
Investigators are now appealing to potential victims across the country, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Calgary, Vancouver, and Surrey, to come forward.
Detective Pelletier of the OPS West Criminal Investigations Unit is leading the case.
Anyone who suspects they may have had dealings with Brar—or any of his aliases—is urged to contact Det. Pelletier directly at 613-236-1222 ext. 2653.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through crimestoppers.ca.
Warning to the Public: Verify Credentials Before Hiring Immigration Help
The OPS reminds residents to be cautious when seeking immigration assistance. Many victims in fraud schemes lose significant amounts of money while unknowingly jeopardizing their legal status in Canada.
Before paying for immigration services, always:
- Verify official licensing – Ensure the consultant is certified by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) or registered with the Law Society of Ontario.
- Check credentials online at college-ic.ca for authorized immigration consultants.
- Avoid paying cash or wiring funds to personal accounts.
- Get service agreements in writing, and keep copies of all communications and receipts.
- Beware of false guarantees such as “guaranteed PR approval” or “inside connections with IRCC.”
Police add that licensed immigration consultants are never permitted to charge fees for faster processing or “priority status” at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Pattern Mirrors National Fraud Trend
Across Canada, law enforcement agencies have reported a rise in immigration-related scams where fraudsters impersonate legitimate consultants or government officials.
Recent investigations have shown a pattern of emails and WhatsApp messages claiming to provide “direct access” to IRCC officers or “sponsorship under pilot programs.”
According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, immigration scams defrauded Canadians and newcomers of over $9 million in 2024, with the majority of victims being recent immigrants or international students.
Statement from Ottawa Police
“We are committed to protecting vulnerable members of our community and ensuring that those who exploit others for personal gain face justice,” said an OPS spokesperson. “We believe there may be additional victims in multiple provinces and encourage them to contact investigators.”
OPS emphasized that it works closely with other federal agencies—including the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)—to track and prosecute cases of immigration fraud and misrepresentation.
How Victims Can Report Immigration Fraud
Victims of immigration fraud are encouraged to take the following steps:
- Report to Local Police: Contact your local police service if you’ve exchanged money or documents with a fraudulent individual.
- File with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: Visit antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca or call 1-888-495-8501.
- Submit a Complaint to IRCC: Use the official IRCC webform for reporting immigration scams or unauthorized representatives.
- Contact the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC): Verify or report consultants through the CICC’s disciplinary database.
Protecting Canada’s Immigration System
Fraud cases like this one erode trust in Canada’s immigration framework and exploit newcomers’ hopes for a better life. The Ottawa Police, alongside the CBSA and federal immigration authorities, urge all Canadians and prospective immigrants to stay alert and seek help if they suspect fraudulent activity.
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