Vinay Pal Singh Brar (Ottawa Police Service)
The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) has laid a series of serious charges, including assault and fraud, against a local man accused of posing as an immigration consultant and preying on individuals across the country.
The investigation began in September 2024, focusing on multiple incidents alleged to have occurred between January and July of the same year. Police say the suspect held himself out as an immigration consultant, offering services to clients before defrauding them.
Following the investigation, Vinay Pal Singh Brar, a 35-year-old Ottawa resident, was arrested and charged with the following offences:
- Fraud Over $5000 (two counts)
- Possess Stolen Property Over $5000 (two counts)
- Assault
- Assault by choking
- Uttering threats
Investigators have revealed that Brar has used a multitude of aliases, which include:
- Gagandeep SINGH
- Warisdeep SINGH
- Waris SINGH
- Waris Deep SEHMI
- Harsh HARSH
Due to the nature of the alleged crimes and the suspect’s use of multiple identities, police believe there may be many more victims who have not yet come forward. Investigators are urging anyone who may have been defrauded or victimized by Brar in several major Canadian cities to contact them.
Investigators believe there are additional victims in the Greater Toronto Area, Calgary, Vancouver, and Surrey.
Public Warning on Immigration Services
In light of this case, the Ottawa Police Service is reminding the public to exercise extreme caution when seeking assistance with immigration matters.
Before engaging anyone for immigration services, the public is urged to verify that the individual is a properly licensed immigration consultant with the federal or provincial government. Confirming a consultant’s credentials is a critical step to protect against fraud and to ensure you are receiving legitimate and qualified advice.
How to Report Information
Anyone with information, or who believes they may have been a victim, is asked to contact Detective Pelletier of the OPS West Criminal Investigations Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 2653.
Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or online at crimestoppers.ca.
