Ottawa man charged in alleged immigration fraud case; police warn of possible victims across Canada

Ottawa Police have charged a 35-year-old man following an investigation into several alleged cases of immigration fraud dating back to early 2024.

Police say the suspect, identified as Vinay Pal Singh Brar of Ottawa, is accused of posing as an immigration consultant and defrauding multiple individuals between January and July 2024. He faces several charges, including two counts each of fraud over $5,000 and possession of stolen property over $5,000, along with assault, assault by choking, and uttering threats.

Investigators report that Brar also used several aliases including Gagandeep Singh, Warisdeep Singh, Waris Singh, Waris Deep Sehmi, and Harsh Harsh. Authorities believe there could be additional victims in other parts of Canada, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area, Calgary, Vancouver, and Surrey.

The Ottawa Police Service is urging anyone who may have had contact with the accused or believes they may have been defrauded to come forward. Detective Pelletier of the West Criminal Investigations Unit can be reached at 613-236-1222, extension 2653. Anonymous information can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers.