Ontario Construction News staff writer
A Winnipeg construction manager has been sentenced to 22 months of house arrest and fined $50,000 after pleading guilty to unauthorized employment of foreign nationals at a local construction site.
In August 2023, the CBSA Criminal Investigations Section started an investigation after receiving information about the employment and mistreatment of unauthorized workers at a local construction site. Investigators found paperwork and work permit applications associated to Ahluwalia who was the construction site manager.
In May 2024, CBSA executed search warrants and seized multiple electronic devices and physical documents that revealed Ahluwalia lured foreign nationals to Canada to work without authorization and underpaid workers who had valid work permits. On November 26, 2024, CBSA laid charges against Ahluwalia under IRPA.
“The Canada Border Services Agency Criminal Investigations Section in Winnipeg worked diligently to investigate this case and provide evidence for conviction. We will continue to pursue prosecution for individuals who abuse our immigration system while safeguarding workers from exploitation.”
The CBSA is responsible for identifying, investigating and prosecuting individuals and entities that are connected to organized crime, human smuggling, immigration fraud, terrorism and other violations of the Customs Act and the IRPA.
In 2024, the CBSA opened 184 criminal investigations into suspected offences under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
Referrals for suspected immigration offences come from a variety of sources, including partner organizations and other government departments. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious immigration activities through the Border Watch Line or by calling 1-888-502-9060.
Canada is investing $1.3 billion to bolster security at the border and strengthen the immigration system, all while keeping Canadians safe.
