‘The charges and subsequent sentencing reflect a comprehensive investigation and our unwavering commitment to preserving the integrity of Canada’s immigration system’
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has arrested two individuals for illegally recruiting foreign workers and a third for human trafficking.
All three individuals entered guilty pleas and have been sentenced following a joint investigation by the RCMP and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) into human trafficking and the unauthorised employment of foreign nationals.
On April 23, 2025, Christian Vitela pled guilty to employing foreign nationals without authorization under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. He received a conditional discharge with two years of probation, including a condition prohibiting him from employing foreign nationals.
Earlier, on Feb. 14, 2023, Miurel Bracamonte pled guilty to employing a foreign national without authorisation. She was sentenced to a four-month conditional sentence and an additional eight months of probation. She was also ordered to pay $2,771 in restitution to the victim.
On Feb. 5, 2024, Mario Roca Morales pled guilty to three counts of human trafficking under the Criminal Code of Canada. He was sentenced on Feb. 27, 2024, to eight-and-a-half years of incarceration.
The investigation revealed that the foreign nationals entered Canada via Toronto Pearson International Airport, John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, and Montréal-Trudeau International Airport. Once in the country, they were channelled into exploitative employment through agencies connected to the accused.
In July and September 2019, authorities executed eight search warrants—seven in Hamilton and one in Milton. These operations uncovered 84 foreign nationals living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, including residences housing up to 25 individuals, many of which were infested with bed bugs, cockroaches, and other vermin.
“The charges and subsequent sentencing reflect a comprehensive investigation and our unwavering commitment to preserving the integrity of Canada’s immigration system,” said Abeid Morgan, Acting Director of Intelligence and Enforcement Operations Division, Southern Ontario Region, CBSA. “The CBSA and the RCMP engage in ongoing collaboration to enhance border security and ensure that individuals who violate the law are held accountable for their actions.”
The final court proceedings concluded in April 2025.
“The Royal Canadian Mounted Police seeks to preserve the safety and security of all members of the public in Canada, regardless of their citizenship,” said Staff Sergeant Sylvain Tessier, Acting Officer in Charge, Hamilton-Niagara Regional Detachment, RCMP. “The high quality of this investigation is reflected in the fact that all three individuals entered guilty pleas. I commend the ongoing efforts and commitment of our members and the members of the CBSA who both work diligently to safeguard our borders.”
Previously, three Ontario-based employers were fined a combined total of $450,000 for employing foreign nationals without proper authorisation to work in Canada.
The CBSA receives referrals for suspected immigration offences from a variety of sources, including partner organisations and other government departments. Members of the public can report suspicious immigration activities through the Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060.
In 2024, the CBSA initiated 184 criminal investigations into suspected offences under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
In April, a British Columbia tribunal ordered a Richmond-based truck repair company to pay more than $115,000 to a foreign worker from India who was required to pay $25,000 to secure employment and was subsequently underpaid during his tenure.
In November 2024, the British Columbia Supreme Court ruled that an employer could be held liable for damages incurred by foreign nationals who paid for Canadian jobs.
