Government translator charged with fraud in immigration hearings scheme
Posted January 27, 2023 4:36 pm.
Last Updated January 27, 2023 4:48 pm.
Toronto police say an accredited translator/interpreter contracted by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) had imposters work on his behalf while he received payment from the government.
Police allege the frauds took place between April 2021 and Dec. 2022 at over 130 Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada hearings.
The imposters appeared via online remote hearings, using the accused’s name and accreditations, police said.
Investigators allege Gerard Byamungu, 37, of Durham Region, allowed “unidentified and unauthorized persons to appear on (his) behalf to provide interpretation and translation services” at the hearings.
“The accused received payment for the fraudulent interpretation/translation services provided to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada by the imposters,” police added.
Byamungu is facing the following charges:
- Fraud/Breach of Trust by Official
- Fraud/Not Exceeding $5000 (Public)
- Fraud/Exceeding $5000
- Possess Property or Thing Obtained by Crime/Exceeding $5000
