This project has been made possible through funding from the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.
By Carys Mill, the Globe and Mail | Link to Article
Police believe more than eight new immigrants to Toronto gave thousands of dollars to a man, who allegedly pretended to be an immigration officer.
The man, who said he worked for Canada Border Services Agency, charged between $1,800 and $3,900 from each victim and said he would help them with their immigration process, according to police. At times he allegedly threatened to deport the victims, who received no services from the man despite his fees, police said.
“They became suspicious and contacted police,” said Constable Tony Vella. “There definitely could be more [victims].”
The eight cases known to police happened between February 2009 and November 2010 but police said there may have been more victims up until the man was arrested on Monday.
The man used an alias, Al Guiliani, when he met and approached victims in coffee shops, Const. Vella said.
In one case, a victim was trying to become a landed immigrant and the man told him he’d help with the process, police said.
Albino Irgolino, 43, of Brampton, was arrested and charged with eight charges of fraud and eight charges of impersonating a peace officer. He appeared on court on Tuesday morning.
This project has been made possible through funding from the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.