Brothers Evade Sanctions and Start Fresh: Controversial Name Change in Ontario Sparks Debate
Two brothers, Amin and Arash Yousefijam, convicted in the United States for helping Iran circumvent sanctions, have successfully adopted new identities in Ontario, raising serious concerns regarding the integrity of Canada’s immigration processes. Documents obtained by Global News reveal that the Yousefijam brothers, originally sentenced in Michigan in 2021 for using shell companies to export sensitive equipment to Iran, returned to Ontario and changed their names to Ameen and Aurash Cohen in April 2022.
At the time of their name change, both were still serving their sentences under supervised release. Arash, now Dr. Aurash Cohen, became a registered dentist in Ottawa, while Amin, who assumed the name Ameen Cohen, found employment as a compliance officer in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Despite his lack of Canadian citizenship and ongoing deportation proceedings, Amin was issued a name change certificate.
Under Ontario law, applicants for name changes must disclose any criminal convictions, yet it remains unclear how the brothers obtained new identities while still entangled in legal issues. While Arash expressed a desire to start anew, arguing that his past legal troubles were resolved, Amin’s situation is more precarious, with a deportation hearing set for October 28.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is pursuing Amin’s deportation, alleging that he undermined Canadian efforts to manage the Iranian regime’s influence. CBSA documents indicate that Amin’s actions posed increased security threats to Canada. As tensions rise between Iran and Israel, this case illustrates the broader implications of sanctions enforcement and immigration practices in Canada.
Experts have voiced concern over the brothers’ ability to change their identities and the implications for national security, noting that sanctions are vital for maintaining a safer global environment. Jessica Davis, a national security expert, emphasized the necessity of upholding sanctions to protect Canadian interests and the global financial system.
As this situation unfolds, it highlights significant questions about the efficacy of Canada’s immigration policies and the ongoing challenges related to sanctions evasion.
Source: Swifteradio.com
