Travellers Caught at Border With Multiple Fraudulent Permanent Residency Cards

Fraudulent cards seized by the Canada Border Services Agency on Aug. 1, 2023. CBSA handout

Two travellers entering Canada were arrested by the border agency after it found they carried dozens of fraudulent identification and bank cards.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) says it seized the material after the travellers crossed into Canada at the Armstrong port of entry on Aug. 1. This border crossing is located in a rural area in southeast Quebec and connects with the U.S. state of Maine.

Among the personal effects of the travellers were fraudulent permanent residency cards, social insurance number cards, and bank cards.

The travellers also carried over $10,000 in currency, which is not permitted under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act.

“The Canada Border Services Agency is committed to maintaining the integrity of Canada’s immigration system and is vigilant about potential fraudulent activities,” said Annie Beauséjour, CBSA regional director general for the Quebec Region, in a statement.

CBSA would not confirm to The Epoch Times whether there is an ongoing criminal investigation and if the RCMP is involved.

The agency said its Criminal Investigations Division is in charge of investigating those who willfully violate border-related legislation and that it cooperates with other law enforcement agencies.

A CBSA photo handout of the seized documents appears to show that two individuals each had multiple permanent residency cards. The CBSA says it “cannot presume that the cards were made to be used exclusively by the two travellers.”

The agency would not provide further information on the case, such as whether the travellers have Canadian status. Additional information will be released if the individuals are formally charged.