An Ottawa man has been charged with multiple offenses related to immigration fraud. The Ottawa Police Service announced the charges following an investigation that began in September 2024. This inquiry was prompted by several alleged incidents that occurred between January and July 2024. The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Vinay Pal Singh Brar, faces serious allegations. He has been charged with two counts of fraud over $5,000, two counts of possession of stolen property over $5,000, assault, assault by choking, and uttering threats. According to police, Brar allegedly operated under various aliases, including Gagandeep Singh, Warisdeep Singh, Waris Singh, Waris Deep Sehmi, and Harsh Harsh. He is accused of posing as an immigration consultant and defrauding multiple individuals seeking immigration assistance. Investigators believe there may be additional victims across Canada, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area, Calgary, Vancouver, and Surrey, British Columbia. Authorities are urging anyone with information or who suspects they may have been a victim to reach out. Individuals can contact Detective Michael Pelletier of the Ottawa Police Service West Division criminal investigations unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 2653. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online. The police remind the public to exercise caution when dealing with immigration matters. They advise verifying the credentials of anyone offering immigration services to ensure they are properly licensed by federal or provincial authorities. This step can help protect individuals from potential fraud and ensure they receive qualified advice.