MONTREAL, Nov. 28, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ — The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that Spa-Manna Damsel Beaté Inc., a toiletry product retailer, was charged at the Montréal Courthouse for hiring foreign nationals who were not authorized to be employed under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The business was fined $40,000.
The CBSA's investigation was subsequent to a CBSA operation in a residential building in Gatineau, with the assistance of the joint regional team on street gangs (Outaouais), on November 17, 2011.
This operation resulted in the arrest of 15 young foreign nationals suspected of working illegally in Gatineau and Ottawa shopping centres. They admitted to the Immigration and Refugee Board that they had worked without previously requesting and obtaining authorization. They also stated that they had worked for Spa-Manna Damsel Beaté Inc. and had earned income.
"Immigration fraud is a criminal offence in Canada and damages the integrity of our immigration system," said Benoît Chiquette, Regional Director General of CBSA, Quebec Region. "The CBSA takes this issue very seriously and works to identify, investigate and prosecute those engaging in immigration fraud to the full extent of the law."
To report immigration fraud in Canada, or if you have any information regarding individuals involved in such activities, call the Border Watch Toll-Free Line, at 1-888-502-9060. All calls are completely confidential.
SOURCE: Canada Border Services Agency
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Canada Border Services Agency
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