An interpreter contracted by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada faces fraud charges for allegedly allowing “imposters” to appear at more than 130 online hearings using his name.
Toronto Police allege the accredited interpreter and translator defrauded the IRB, and incoming refugee and immigrant claimants, by “allowing and facilitating unidentified and unauthorized persons to appear on his behalf to provide interpretation and translation services” for Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada hearings between April 2021 and December 2022.
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“The imposters appeared via online remote hearings, using the accused’s name and accreditations,” police alleged in a statement released Friday.
“The accused received payment for the fraudulent interpretation/translation services provided to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada by the imposters,” police allege.
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Gerard Byamungu, 37, of Durham Region, was arrested.
He has been charged with fraud/breach of trust by an official; fraud not exceeding $5000 (Public); fraud exceeding $5000; possession of property or thing obtained by crime exceeding $5000.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to call police at 416-808-5100 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
cdoucette@postmedia.com
On Twitter: @sundoucette
