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Ameen Cohen: Deportation Hearing Unveils Complex Identity and Sanctions Violations

Ameen Cohen, a 37-year-old banking professional living in Thornhill, Ontario, is under scrutiny at a deportation hearing as details of his complex identity and alleged sanctions violations unfold. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) disclosed that Cohen, an Iranian national, has used three different names during his life, raising questions about his past and intentions.

Initially known as Amin Riki in Iran, he reportedly changed his name to Amin Yousefijam before moving to Canada in 2016. Most recently, he adopted the name Cohen in 2022 after legally changing it in Ontario, a move that coincided with allegations of his involvement in a scheme to help Iran evade international sanctions.

During the hearings, the CBSA testified that Cohen’s past actions pose a national security threat to Canada. They assert that by facilitating the shipment of sensitive goods to Iran, he undermined Canada’s efforts to combat the risks posed by the Iranian regime, which is linked to various terrorist organizations including Hamas and Hezbollah.

Cohen’s arrest in January 2021 on U.S. charges for exporting goods to Iran brought his case to light, culminating in a guilty plea that he later argued was not an admission of guilt but a pragmatic decision to resolve the matter swiftly. His subsequent name change to Cohen has raised further concerns, especially given that he did not disclose his criminal history on the application, stating he believed he only needed to report Canadian convictions.

Despite Cohen’s assertions, officials clarified that such disclosures are mandatory, regardless of where the convictions were made. CBSA documentation highlighted the seriousness of providing false information when applying for a name change, emphasizing the potential implications for public safety.

Cohen’s brother, Arash Yousefijam, also faces legal consequences for similar sanctions violations and has changed his name to Aurash Cohen in a bid to establish a new life. This ongoing situation is indicative of a wider pattern where individuals associated with the Iranian regime in Canada seek to obscure their identities, prompting scrutiny of Canada’s name change regulations.

Federal Crackdown on Iranian Influence in Canada

The Canadian government’s focus on curtailing Iranian influence intensified following civil unrest in Iran precipitated by the death of Mahsa Amini, a case that significantly mobilized public dissent against the government in Tehran. As part of its response, the Canadian government imposed sanctions on Iranian officials and initiated efforts to deport individuals linked to the regime.

Currently, the IRB is reviewing multiple cases involving Iranian nationals in Canada, with some deportation orders having been issued while others have faced dismissal or withdrawal. This inconsistency in rulings has raised questions regarding the efficacy of Canada’s efforts to manage Iranian influence within its borders.

As the hearings continue, the implications of Cohen’s case extend beyond individual accountability, touching on broader issues of national security and the integrity of Canada’s immigration system. The CBSA’s challenge is not just to demonstrate a threat posed by individuals like Cohen but also to ensure that Canada does not become a safe haven for those evading justice linked to oppressive regimes.

Cohen’s Future and the System’s Integrity

The IRB’s ruling on Cohen’s deportation is anticipated in the coming months, as officials weigh the evidence presented and the implications of allowing individuals with serious pasts to resettle under new identities. These proceedings may catalyze further reforms in Canada’s approach to name changes and immigration policy, addressing the loopholes that could allow serious offenders to escape accountability.

In a global context where geopolitical tensions are high and national security remains a priority, the intersection of identity, immigration, and international relations has never been more salient.

Source
globalnews.ca