A 44-year-old Nigerian woman based in Caledon, Ontario, Canada, Nnenna Oketa, has been criminally charged after she was caught attempting to smuggle seven fraudulent passports into the North American country through the Toronto Pearson International Airport.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) made the disclosure in a statement on Tuesday, stating that investigation into Ms Oketa began upon the arrival of a 1,600 kilogram package shipment from Nigeria to Canada, which was referred for secondary inspection at the entry port.

The inspection of the shipment led the eagle-eyed border agency officers to the discovery of seven fraudulent documents concealed inside sandals.

The CBSA identified the documents as five forged passports from the Republic of the Gambia and two from South Africa, all embossed with the picture of the same male individual but with different names and contradictory personal details.

Ms Oketa was subsequently arrested by the CBSA officers and the fake passports were confiscated alongside additional documents linking the suspect to the allegation. 

Afterwards, the case was handed over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s Toronto Airport Detachment Border Integrity Unit, which took over the investigation and ultimately decided to charge the suspect with knowingly possessing a forged passport which runs contrary to a section of the Canadian criminal code.  

The CBSA said in the statement, “The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Federal Policing – Central Region has charged a resident of Caledon, Ontario after the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) detected and seized multiple fraudulent passports at Toronto Pearson International Airport commercial operations.

“The investigation began after a CBSA Border Services Officer referred a 1,600 kg shipment arriving from Nigeria for examination. During the examination, CBSA officers located seven fraudulent documents concealed inside sandals. These were five fraudulent passports from the Republic of the Gambia and two from South Africa. All seven fraudulent passports contained the same picture of a male with different names and inconsistent biographical details throughout.”

The statement stated, “The CBSA then referred the subject to the RCMP’s Toronto Airport Detachment Border Integrity Unit which then took over the investigation and charged Nnenna Oketa (44) of Caledon, Ontario, with: Did knowingly possess a forged passport, contrary to section 57(3) of the Criminal Code.”

Speaking about the indictment, Officer in Charge, Toronto Airport Detachment, Inspector John McMath, said the investigation highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation to ensure Canada’s border security.

“This investigation underscores the critical role of inter‑agency cooperation in safeguarding Canada’s borders. Working closely with our partners at the Canada Border Services Agency allows us to protect Canadians from the risks posed by fraudulent identification documents,” Mr McMath said. 

Also, the Regional Director General, CBSA, Greater Toronto Area Region, Lisa Janes, noted that the agency would continue to pursue justice against individuals trying to exploit the Canadian border.

“This seizure and resulting arrest demonstrate how CBSA officers play a critical role in stopping fraudulent activities that threaten Canada’s safety and security. Through continued vigilance and partnership with the RCMP, we are committed to bringing to justice those who attempt to exploit our border,” she stated.