CBSA Lays Criminal Charges in International Student Fraud Case

Two individuals are facing a combined twelve criminal charges after a Canada Border Services Agency investigation found they defrauded international students out of an estimated $126,000 through a fake tuition payment scheme. 

The case began with a tip. In February 2025, the CBSA Intelligence and Enforcement Division received information from Lambton College pointing to irregularities involving a group of international students. What followed was a months-long investigation that pulled in digital forensics, search warrants, and interviews with the victims themselves. 

How the Scheme Worked 

According to investigators, the two accused told students they would use the money handed over to pay their tuition. Students received enrollment letters that looked legitimate. In reality, none of them were ever registered in the programs they believed they had paid for at Lambton College. CBSA officers executed search warrants at homes and businesses connected to the accused, seizing electronic devices for forensic review. That evidence formed the backbone of the case that led to charges being laid on June 2, 2026. 

Each of the two accused faces four counts of fraud over $5,000 under the Criminal Code, four counts of uttering forged documents, and four counts of counselling misrepresentation under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. 

• Hardik Dave, of Cambridge, Ontario, is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in London on July 10, 2026. 

• Jainishkumar Patel, 35, of London, Ontario, is believed to have left the country and remains the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant. 

The charges have not been proven in court and remain subject to judicial validation. 

Officials Respond 

“The Canada Border Services Agency is protecting vulnerable individuals from fraud and other harms. Those seeking to profit from fraudulent financial schemes are being held to account and brought to justice.” 

— The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety 

“Canada Border Services Agency investigators are uncovering immigration fraud schemes and gathering evidence to bring offenders to justice. In doing so, our officers are upholding the law and protecting vulnerable people from exploitation.” 

— Michael Prosia, Regional Director General, CBSA Southern Ontario Region 

A Pattern Worth Watching 

This case is not an isolated one. Between April 2025 and March 2026, CBSA opened 161 criminal investigations into suspected immigration offences. Ottawa has also committed $1.3 billion toward strengthening border security and the immigration system more broadly, funding that supports exactly this kind of enforcement work. 

For prospective students, the case is a reminder to verify enrollment directly with a college or university’s admissions office rather than relying solely on documents provided by a third-party agent. A quick call or email to the institution can confirm whether a seat and a paid tuition account actually exist before any money changes hands. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Immigration fraud cases like this one move quickly through investigation, charges, and the courts. Canada Immigration News covers timely news, updates, and policies so you stay informed and protected at every step of your journey.