Toronto/CMEDIA: Following the seizure of multiple forged Canadian passports at the Peace Bridge port of entry in Fort Erie, Ontario by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), three Canadian residents were charged by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Federal Policing – Central Region.
The investigation followed after the individuals were referred for a secondary examination when returning to Canada after taking a wrong turn towards the bridge to the USA.
During a secondary examination, six forged passports, about $24,000 worth of US and Canadian currency, approximately 84 credit cards, debit cards and gift cards, as well as drug paraphernalia were found by the CBSA border services officers.
$1.3 billion is being invested by Canada to bolster security at the border and strengthen the immigration system, all while keeping Canadians safe.
After arresting the three subjects, the CBSA also seized the forged documents, currency, cards and other materials related to the alleged offences.
The investigation was then taken over by the RCMP’s Niagara-on-the-Lake Border Integrity Unit who charged Domenico Cherubini (51) of Granby, Quebec, Minh Nguyen (40) of Montreal, Quebec and Christian Ndizeye (33) of Montreal, Quebec with knowingly possess a forged document, six forged Canadian passports.
They also possessed 84 credit/debit cards, and by deceit, falsehood or other fraudulent means defrauded various Canadian banks of money exceeding five thousand dollars contrary to Section 380(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.
The professionalism and vigilance of our frontline officers and our strong partnership with the Canada Border Services Agency is a reflection of the successful outcome of this joint operation.
“The interception of these forged documents and related materials underscores the critical role our agencies play in protecting Canada’s borders and safeguarding the integrity of our identification systems,” said Superintendent Dale Foote, Officer in Charge, Federal Policing – Central Region Border Integrity.
“This seizure of fraudulent documents and the resulting charges demonstrate the complex nature of protecting our borders and the CBSA’s role in disrupting criminal activities. Through continued collaboration between the CBSA and the RCMP, we remain committed to combating identity and financial fraud and safeguarding the integrity of Canada’s border.” Michael Prosia, Regional Director General – Southern Ontario Region, Canada Border Services Agency said.
The identification of border-related risks and in protecting the safety and security of Canadians is done by the CBSA’s Intelligence Section
