Alleged $5-million scam brings asylum seekers to Pearson Airport in Mississauga, Ontario

An airline worker who allegedly hatched and carried out an elaborate plan to get Indian citizens who lacked proper travel documents into Canada via Pearson Airport in Mississauga and Vancouver International Airport is now reportedly on the run from authorities on the other side of the world.

The bold and illegal ruse, allegedly the brainchild of a former British Airways employee who was stationed at Heathrow Airport in London, allowed travellers without proper documentation to board flights to Canada, according to multiple media reports.

Once at Pearson or in Vancouver, the Indian citizens, who had allegedly paid the airline worker the equivalent of $43,000 per person, would then reportedly claim asylum.

According to The Times of London, which first reported on the travel/immigration scheme earlier this week, Canadian immigration officials brought the matter to light after noticing more and more Indian citizens flying into Pearson and Vancouver who were lacking proper papers and then claiming asylum.

The alleged scam is reported to have garnered an estimated $5.1 million for the British Airways employee.

The worker, a 24-year-old man alleged to have masterminded the scheme from his airport check-in desk in London, was arrested on Jan. 6. However, he made bail and allegedly fled to India, reportedly with a partner who also worked for the British airline.

Under the alleged scam, Indian citizens looking to get to Canada would reportedly pay the $43,000 fee up front and then fly to London on temporary visas.

From there, it’s alleged the airline worker would ensure he met the travellers at two separate check-in locations at Heathrow, allowing them to board Canada-bound flights without ever having shown proper travel documents.

(Cover photo: Pearson Airport X)