The Canada Border Services Agency says an investigation into an alleged immigration fraud scheme has led to charges under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

In an October 22 release from Valleyfield, Quebec, the agency said investigators identified 243 temporary resident visa applications concerning 209 people. It alleges fraudulent documents and false statements were used to support applications describing visits to Canadian hosts.

CBSA said the investigation began in August 2024 following a July compliance operation in Mercier, Quebec. Investigators executed four search warrants in Quebec and Ontario on June 3, 2025, and focused on 79 applications it considered the strongest evidence.

The agency lists allegations involving facilitating entry, immigration misrepresentation and helping others contravene the legislation. These are allegations, not findings of guilt. The release provides no defence response or court ruling on the merits.

The application totals do not establish that every applicant was charged or admitted to Canada.

Source: CBSA news release, October 22, 2026.