Vincentian charged with Immigration fraud in Toronto

A forty-year-old woman, said to be originally from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has been arrested in an alleged “elaborate Immigration scheme” in Toronto, Canada.{{more}}

Police allege that the woman, Estlyn Hazelyn Franklyn, and her partner, 48-year-old Abdulrahmane Morou, scammed two individuals out of about $32,000.

They were arrested on Friday, November 12.

Morou allegedly posed as an Immigration official, while Franklyn is alleged to have acted as his assistant, the Toronto Star reported police as saying.

The pair allegedly scammed two victims, originally from the West Indies, out of multiple cash payments between February 2009 and November 12, 2010, police said, adding that they believe there may be more victims.

In exchange for payment, Morou and Franklyn are alleged to have promised assistance with the victims’ immigration files.

Police said Morou used the alias “Pops” and “Prince” while Franklyn was known as “Junell.”

Toronto police are urging other possible victims to come forward, but said they understand that an uncertain immigration status in Canada may leave people reluctant to contact police.

“Because they’re so vulnerable, they have a very intense fear of coming forward,” the officer said. “Unfortunately, my concern is just for the victims.”

Both Morou and Franklyn now face two counts of impersonating a peace officer, 26 counts of fraud under $5,000, and failing to comply with probation, among other charges.

Anyone with information can contact detectives at 416-808-3104 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).