The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) has pressed charges against Brijesh Mishra for his role in defrauding 700 Indian international students.
Mishra faces multiple charges, including unauthorized representation, counseling misrepresentation, and direct or indirect misrepresentation.
These charges emerged after 700 Indian students were found to possess false letters of admission from Canadian educational institutions. The discovery happened when students, who arrived between 2018-2019 and had completed their studies, sought permanent residency.
These students had sought study visas via Education Migration Services, based in Jalandhar, India. Mishra, the firm’s head, charged significant amounts for college admission and visa applications. Subsequently, the company shut down, and Mishra evaded authorities.
After his arrest, it came to light that Mishra had been residing illegally in Surrey, British Columbia, following a visa revocation in 2019 due to “ghost consulting.” Co-directors of the company have also been arrested and denied bail in India.
IRCC task force against fraud
This development coincided with Immigration Minister Sean Fraser’s creation of a task force to assess affected students individually, determining whether they fell victim to fraud. This approach aims to identify students who were unaware of the fraudulent letters and those who knowingly participated.
Students found unaware of the fraud will be granted temporary resident permits, while those complicit will face consequences, potentially including removal.
To prevent such fraud targeting vulnerable international students, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will collaborate with Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs), provinces, territories, and international representatives of Canadian colleges and universities.
How you avoid international student fraud
International students must remain cautious to avoid falling prey to fraud. The case exemplifies the risks posed by “ghost consultants” who deceive students with unauthorized immigration services.
Common scams, including phishing, fake job offers, and housing schemes, underscore the importance of vigilance. Students should exercise caution when sharing personal information and refrain from responding to unsolicited or suspicious communication demanding money.
Being cautious, verifying consultants, employers, or landlords, and recognizing that “too good to be true” offers often indicate scams are essential steps for safeguarding against fraudulent schemes.
