The Ottawa Police Service says an Ottawa man is facing charges in connection with an alleged immigration fraud scheme that could have victims all across Canada. Police began investigating in September 2024, following several allegations about incidents that took place between January and July 2024, a news release said. Police say the suspect allegedly posed as an immigration consultant and defrauded multiple individuals. The accused, identified by police as Vinay Pal Singh Brar, 35, allegedly used several aliases, including Gagandeep Singh, Warisdeep Singh, Waris Singh, Waris Deep Sehmi, and Harsh Harsh, police said. Brar is charged with two counts of fraud over $5,000, two counts of possession of stolen property over $5,000, assault, assault by choking, and uttering threats. “Investigators believe there may be additional victims across Canada, including in the Greater Toronto Area, Calgary, Vancouver, and Surrey,” Ottawa police said Friday. Police warned the public to be cautious when dealing with immigration matters. “Before accepting help from anyone offering immigration services, ensure the federal or provincial government properly licenses them. Checking their credentials can help protect you from fraud and ensure you’re getting advice from someone qualified,” police said. Anyone with information or who believes they may have been a victim is asked to contact Det. Pelletier of the Ottawa Police Service West Criminal Investigations Unit at 613-236-1222 ext. 2653. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppers.ca.
