An Ottawa man has been charged with a number of offences related to human smuggling, say officials with The Canada Border Services Agency.
According to a CBSA release, 49-year-old Mohamed Farah Abdulle was arrested after a year-long investigation dubbed "Project Vista."
Officials say the investigation was a joint effort between Citizen and Immigration Canada, the RCMP and Ottawa police.
Abdulle is accused of acting as an immigration consultant and forging documents to assist immigrants with sponsorship to Canada.
Authorities were tipped off after someone became aware their name had been used to support sponsorship applications without their consent. Officials say those forms were successfully used to allow people to enter the country.
"The CBSA worked closely with our Project Vista partners on this investigation to gather evidence and establish direct links to the criminal activity," said CBSA Regional Director General for Northern Ontario, Denis R. Vinette. "The CBSA regularly works closely with government and law enforcement partners to maintain the integrity of Canada's immigration system and protect the safety and security of Canadians."
Abdulle will appear in court on December 1, 2011.
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding suspicious immigration or border activity is encouraged to call the CBSA Border Watch toll-free line at 1-888-502-9060.
