Toronto woman faces 39 charges in immigration fraud case

TORONTO – A Toronto woman is facing dozens of charges in connection with a $1.5-million immigration fraud investigation.

Police say they began a probe in October after they were contacted with allegations that a large number of people had been defrauded by a recruiting agency primarily dealing with immigrant workers.

It is alleged that individuals, their family members and friends from other countries were recruited for jobs in Canada by the agency, identified as GoWest Jobs International.

Investigators say the company received more than $1.5 million in fees from more than 500 applicants recruited in six different countries, and that many of the foreign applicants were of Filipino descent.

It’s alleged that payment was requested so that positive documents, references and employment contracts could be provided to applicants and the paperwork submitted to government agencies in the foreign countries.

But police say the applicants would then be denied entry to Canada due to the fraudulent documents submitted on their behalf and the applicant would be banned from re-applying for two years.

Imelda Fronda Saluma, 46, faces 39 charges including 11 counts of fraud over $5,000, nine counts of passing off wares or services, eight counts of fraud under $5,000 and nine counts of obtaining money by false pretence.

Police say it’s believed there may be more victims.