The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Federal Operations Section in Nova Scotia has laid charges following an investigation concerning residence fraud.

Basem Farid Awaad, age 42 of Bedford, faces a total of four charges including:
– Two charges of Counseling Misrepresentation, Section 126 Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
– Two charges of False Representation, Section 29(2)(a) Citizenship Act

The RCMP alleges that Awaad was counseling and assisting foreign nationals through fraudulent means to maintain their Permanent Resident status and obtain Canadian citizenship.

This case is a continuing example of the collaboration between Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Canada Border Services Agency and the RCMP to identify and disrupt those who choose to try and circumvent the requirements of the immigration process. Through the success of these types of investigations, the message will continue to be sent that you cannot purchase Canadian citizenship, said Cst. Shawn Dinsdale of the Federal Operations Unit.

Awaad will appear in Halifax Provincial Court at 10 a.m. on December 5th, 2013.

In addition to other duties, the RCMP Federal Operations Section is responsible for criminal enforcement of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, Citizenship Act and Criminal Code violations related to Canadian passport offences.

To arrange an interview with Cst. Shawn Dinsdale of the Federal Operations Section, please contact the Media Relations Officer at the number below.

Source: Release