News Release

Pacific Region

Canada Border Services Agency charges lead to sentencing in human smuggling case in Vancouver

Vancouver, BC July 6, 2012 – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that Mr. Mikael Jim Prone, a foreign national, was sentenced to 48 months in jail (8 months credit for time served) as a result of charges laid by CBSA criminal investigators.

On May 31, 2012, a B.C. judge found Mr. Prone guilty of the following charges under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA): one count of human smuggling; two counts of possessing a passport, visa or other document, of Canadian or foreign origin, that could be used to establish a person's identity; and two counts of importing, exporting or using such a document.

On November 27, 2011, Mr. Prone arrived at the Vancouver International Airport on a flight from China. Mr. Prone was referred for a secondary examination and during a search of his carry-on luggage, the border services officer (BSO) discovered two foreign passports that did not belong to him.

At the same time, two individuals travelling on the same flight arrived with no travel documents. It was later discovered by the BSO investigating this case that the two foreign passports found in Mr. Prone's possession had been used by these two individuals to board the flight to Vancouver.

"This sentence reflects the severity of these crimes, and I'm proud of our officers' and investigators' roles in bringing Mr. Prone to justice," said Roslyn MacVicar, CBSA Regional Director General in the Pacific Region.

The CBSA takes violations of Canada's immigration laws very seriously and works closely with its partners to identify, investigate and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law those who violate our immigration laws.

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For media information

Jennifer Bourque
Canada Border Services Agency
604-666-8876