Mississauga Woman Charged in Scam Targeting Immigrant Families

Police have laid charges after investigating an immigration scam that targeted victims from the Middle East, particularly Afghanistan.

Over the past two years, several victims have reported that they paid large sums of money to the Afghan Refugee Relief (ARR) organization to assist in sponsoring family members wishing to immigrate to Canada from Afghanistan.

The suspect, posing as head of the ARR, accepted money but never processed the paperwork through the Canada Border Services Agency and Citizenship and Immigration Canada, effectively scamming the victims.

Sakia Mojadiddi, a 61 year-old woman from Mississauga, has been charged with several counts of fraud. She appeared at the Ontario Court of Justice on August 28, 2017.

Investigators estimate that the total amount of money defrauded from the victims is approximately $40,000.

Police believe there may be further victims of this scam. Anyone who has dealt directly with the suspect or has information is asked to call (905) 453-2121, ext. 3356.

Information can also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by visiting their website at www.peelcrimestoppers.ca, or by sending a text message to CRIMES (274637) with the word "Peel" and then your tip.