Halton Police Charge Man Accused of Posing as an Immigration Lawyer, Urge Residents to Verify Credentials

Halton Regional Police are warning residents to carefully check the credentials of anyone offering immigration or legal help, after charging a man they allege posed as a lawyer and took payments from people seeking work permits and permanent residency.

What Happened

The Halton Regional Police Service says it arrested a 55-year-old Etobicoke man, Kishorbhai Patel, also known as Kishor Patel, on October 8, 2026, in Oakville. He faces one count of fraud over $5,000. Police allege that between October 2025 and January 2026 he presented himself as a lawyer and legal expert - using the business names ProLaw Canada Corporation LLP and Canadian International Business Corporation - and accepted multiple payments from people seeking help with work permit and permanent residency applications. Investigators say he is not licensed to practise law. The charge is an allegation and has not been proven in court.

Key Details

• The accused faces one count of fraud over $5,000 (an allegation that has not been proven in court).

• Police allege he posed as a lawyer and legal expert while not being licensed to practise law.

• Police allege the payments were made between October 2025 and January 2026 by people seeking immigration help.

• Halton police ask anyone who believes they may be a victim to contact the Financial Crimes Unit at 905-825-4777, ext. 8742.

Community Impact

Milton is one of Halton's fastest-growing and most diverse communities, home to many newcomers navigating Canada's immigration system - the very people this kind of alleged scheme can target. Police advise anyone seeking immigration help to verify a representative's credentials: lawyers can be checked through the Law Society of Ontario's directory, and immigration consultants through the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. They also recommend getting a written agreement on services and fees, asking for receipts, and being wary of anyone who guarantees an immigration outcome or pressures you to pay immediately.

Background

The investigation was handled by the Halton Regional Police Service Financial Crimes Unit, which serves all of Halton Region, including Milton. The arrest was made in Oakville.

Source: Halton Regional Police Service - https://www.haltonpolice.ca/news-releases/posts/immigration-fraud-investigation-leads-to-arrest/

This article is a rewritten summary based on publicly available information. Milton Baithak does not claim ownership of original source reporting. For corrections or removal requests, please contact Milton Baithak.