In a decisive move to uphold the integrity of Canada’s immigration system, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has concluded a major investigation into unauthorized employment and worker mistreatment in Winnipeg. On April 2, 2025, Gurwinder Singh Ahluwalia pleaded guilty to violating Section 124 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). He was sentenced to a 20-month conditional sentence to be served under house arrest and fined $50,000.
This case highlights the government’s increasing vigilance toward employers who misuse the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or violate immigration regulations.
How the CBSA Investigation Unfolded
The CBSA’s Criminal Investigations Section in Winnipeg launched a formal inquiry in August 2023 after receiving reports of unauthorized foreign workers at a construction site. The tip led to an extensive investigation, uncovering troubling evidence of exploitation and immigration violations.
By May 2024, CBSA had secured search warrants and seized both digital and physical documents. These materials revealed that Ahluwalia, a construction site manager, had orchestrated a scheme to recruit foreign nationals and employ them without valid authorization. In some cases, even workers with valid permits were underpaid and mistreated.
The evidence resulted in formal charges being filed on November 26, 2024, under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
Protecting Workers and the Integrity of Canada’s Immigration System
This conviction sends a clear message. Employers who engage in the illegal hiring of foreign nationals or abuse their authority risk serious penalties. As Janalee Bell-Boychuk, Regional Director General of CBSA’s Prairie Region, stated, the agency will continue working to “safeguard workers from exploitation” and “pursue prosecution for individuals who abuse our immigration system.”
CBSA’s role goes beyond border enforcement. The agency actively investigates immigration fraud, human smuggling, and organized criminal activity linked to immigration offences. In 2024 alone, CBSA initiated 184 criminal investigations tied to immigration violations.
CBSA Reinforces Oversight Under Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
As Canada invests over $1.3 billion to strengthen its border security and immigration system, cases like this reinforce the importance of strict compliance. The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act remains a vital tool in protecting foreign workers, maintaining public safety, and upholding the fairness of Canada’s immigration pathways.
For individuals or employers unsure about compliance, expert consultation is crucial. At ImmigCanada, we help employers navigate complex regulations and ensure every hiring step meets federal standards — legally, fairly, and with respect to workers’ rights.
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