Vancouver- Brijesh Mishra, a 37-year-old Indian immigration agent, pleaded guilty in a Vancouver courtroom to three charges, including misrepresentation and providing false information.
Judge Susan Sangha sentenced Mishra to three years in prison. Due to Canada’s parole laws, he is expected to be released after serving one-third of his sentence, potentially in a few weeks, considering pre-custody credit.
Mishra was arrested in Surrey, B.C., in June 2023 after a CBSA investigation uncovered that he had issued dozens of fraudulent acceptance letters for Canadian educational institutions. “I’m sorry,” he told the courtroom. “I cannot change the past, but I can make sure I do not do it again in the future.” Mishra had entered Canada on a tourist visa, which had expired at the time of his arrest.
Gagan Nahal, Mishra’s defense lawyer, stated that approximately 11-12 victims came forward, contrary to the 700-800 initially reported in the media. Mishra will be deported upon his release and faces at least seven charges in India—six under the IPC and one under the Punjab Travel Act.
Mishra charged each student an average of Rs 16 lakh for visa-related services and college admissions. Upon their arrival in Canada, he would inform them that seats were unavailable at the colleges listed in their offer letters. He then advised them to either seek admission at other colleges or wait for the next intake. In some instances, he returned the college fees, but often, he did not.
Mishra and his lawyers said his family remains in India, and has been harassed by the family members of his alleged victims.