A Montreal resident is facing charges in connection with an alleged immigration fraud scheme, and he may have fled the country. A Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) investigation led to the arrest of Abul Kasim, 42, who did not appear at his July 28 court date after allegedly leaving Canada in June 2025. A warrant has been issued for his arrest. The 2024 investigation resulted in a search of Kasim’s residence on May 8, 2025, and uncovered evidence suggesting that he allegedly helped 65 individuals provide false information in applications for temporary resident visas (TRV) and in asylum claims between 2022 and 2024, the CBSA said in a news release. “He is also alleged to have arranged the entry into Canada of 53 individuals using fraudulently obtained TRVs, enabling them to settle permanently in the country,” the release reads. “In addition, during that period, he used four falsified Canadian passports in support of TRV applications by fraudulently impersonating hosts in invitation letters submitted with those applications.” Charges against Kasim include conspiracy to facilitate and facilitating the illegal entry of persons into Canada, counselling or assisting persons to provide false information in visa applications, using fake Canadian passports and using passports while knowing they were forged. “According to the investigation, Mr. Kasim allegedly presented himself as an immigration consultant working for a firm with offices in Canada, France, and Bangladesh,” the CBSA said. The charges against him must be proven in court. “Canada welcomes people from around the world through an immigration system built on fairness and integrity,” said Canadian Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree. “Those who seek to circumvent the rules or exploit the system may face serious consequences. I would like to thank CBSA employees for their vital work in protecting Canada’s borders.”
