Winnipeg, MB – Gurwinder Singh Ahluwalia, a Winnipeg resident, has been sentenced to 20 months of house arrest and fined $50,000 after pleading guilty to one count of unauthorized employment of foreign nationals under Section 124 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
The sentencing follows a detailed investigation by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), which began in August 2023 after reports emerged regarding the employment and mistreatment of unauthorized workers at a local construction site. Ahluwalia, who was serving as the site manager, was linked to the case through paperwork and work permit applications uncovered during the investigation.
In May 2024, CBSA executed search warrants at multiple locations, seizing electronic devices and physical documents. The evidence revealed that Ahluwalia had been actively luring foreign nationals to Canada to work without proper authorization. Additionally, he underpaid workers who were legally permitted to work in Canada.
Charges were officially laid on November 26, 2024. Ahluwalia’s conviction marks a significant enforcement action under IRPA and serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of exploiting foreign workers.