A Montreal man is facing multiple criminal charges following a Canada Border Services Agency investigation that began with the seizure of hundreds of items resembling components of Canadian permanent resident cards.
The CBSA said Wednesday that 40-year-old Ahmad Jawid Toukhi appeared at the Saint-Jérôme courthouse in connection with an investigation into the alleged production and distribution of fraudulent identification documents.
The case dates back to March 2024, when a border services officer at Mirabel International Airport intercepted 250 blank cards resembling Canadian permanent resident cards, along with 250 holograms similar to those used on the official documents.
According to the CBSA, investigators later obtained a search warrant for a residence on Montreal’s North Shore.
The warrant was executed on July 11, 2024. Authorities said they discovered forged identity documents containing inaccurate biographical information, as well as equipment and materials allegedly associated with producing counterfeit documents.
Investigators also seized a restricted 9×19 mm Glock Model 48 semi-automatic firearm and three magazines from the residence, according to the agency.
Toukhi has been charged with several offences under Canada’s Criminal Code and Customs Act.
The allegations include smuggling prohibited goods intended for producing counterfeit identification documents, importing goods using a false identity and possessing identity information for the purpose of creating false documents.
He is also accused of producing fraudulent Canadian identification documents, including a Canadian passport and permanent resident cards, and knowingly importing, selling, offering for sale or otherwise making counterfeit identification documents available.
Another charge alleges fraud against the Government of Canada in connection with the smuggling of materials intended to produce and issue fraudulent identification documents.
The allegations have not been proven in court, and Toukhi is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The CBSA said the investigation involved officers at Mirabel International Airport and personnel from its Quebec Region Intelligence Section and Analytical and Forensic Services Division.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s Cryptocurrency Tactical Operational Support team also assisted in the investigation.
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said fraudulent identification documents can have consequences extending beyond document fraud itself.
“Forged documents are often used to facilitate identity theft, fraud, organized crime and immigration-related offences,” Anandasangaree said in the CBSA statement.
Eric Lapierre, the CBSA’s regional director general for Quebec, described combating fraud and identity theft as a priority for the agency.
“Combatting fraud and identity theft is a priority for the Canada Border Services Agency.” The case is now before the courts.
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