False immigrant documentation
Saluma, who also goes by the name ‘Mel’, ran a immigrant recruitment company called ‘GoWest Jobs International.’ The 46-year-old recruited in six countries but, police said, most of her business came from the Philippines. She would recruit potential immigrants and charge them for documents including references and even employment contracts.
The problem? These documents she is alleged to have supplied them with – and for which they paid – the contracts for employment, the references, everything, were false. The potential immigrants would apply to Canada from their country of origin to enter Canada with the documentation.
The documentation would be found to be false and their application would be denied. Things got worse for the applicants, they were penalized for presenting false documents and not permitted to apply again for two years.
Immigration scam charges
She has made an appearance in court and is still in custody pending bail. Here are the list of charges that have been brought against Saluma:
1) 11 counts of Fraud Over $5000
2) nine counts of Pass Off Wares/Services
3) eight counts of Fraud Under $5000
4) nine counts of Obtain Money by False Pretense
5) Make False Statement to Procure Discount
6) Make Document Without Authority
Police have been investigating her since October of 2014, though they have not said what alerted them to Suluma and GoWestJobs International. The company has been shut down.
There may be more victims, police said.