Toronto-area residents face 37 charges in immigration fraud case

ThreeToronto-area residents have been charged in an immigration fraudcase by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

The agency says the trio were arrested at a Mississauga residencelast week by officers with a search warrant following an 11-monthinvestigation.

They were charged with several offences under the Immigration andRefugee Protection Act.

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Investigators allege Eliza Lazaro and Cecilia Bautista, alsoknown as Cecilia Agtarap, acted as unauthorized immigrationconsultants, and provided false information to clients andgovernment officials in order to obtain Canadian visas.

They also allege Lazaro's husband, Bernabe Lazaro, assisted byproviding false information in order to obtain visas.

CBSA alleges Eliza Lazaro has been operating as an unlicensedimmigration consultant since 2009.

Investigators say she tells prospective clients that for a fee,she will find them employment in Canada and take care of the LabourMarket Opinion paperwork which is necessary for them to obtain aCanadian visa and work permit.

A total of 37 charges were laid in the case, includingmisrepresentation and human trafficking.

All three accused appeared in Brampton court last Wednesday.