NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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Investigators with the York Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit have laid charges in connection with an ongoing fraud investigation involving fraudulent immigration services.
In November 2019, York Regional Police began an investigation after receiving information about a suspect who was misrepresenting herself as a paralegal and offering immigration services. It was also reported that the suspect had been producing fraudulent documents that were provided to clients to appear as though services were being performed.
Investigators determined that the suspect, who had been working as an administrative assistant for a paralegal firm in the City of Markham, promoted herself on social media as well as word of mouth as a qualified immigration consultant and paralegal, of which she was not qualified nor certified. She took on clients who were primarily newcomers to Canada of Persian decent and offered to assist them with becoming permanent residents or to assist with bringing family members to Canada. The suspect invoiced and received money from clients for services that were never rendered and also provided clients with fraudulent documentation to give the appearance that work was being done.
On Friday, July 3, 2020, the suspect was placed under arrest and has been charged.
Multiple victims have come forward to report their dealings with the accused, but investigators believe there may be additional victims.
Charged:
• Ziba Foulady, 43, City of Markham
Charges:
• Fraud over $5,000
• Theft over $5,000
• Uttering forged document x3
• Uttering threats x3
This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6021, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
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