22-year-old Ghanaian national Jefferson Zormelo, who was found to have crossed borders using a fake identity and passport in Canada, has been sentenced to 2 years in prison for citizenship fraud. It was stated that Zormelo had entered and exited the country 16 times within 15 months using international airports in Montreal, Toronto, and Halifax.
It was reported that Zormelo first arrived in Canada in 2021 on a study permit. However, in 2024, authorities determined that he was no longer continuing his education. Following this development, a deportation order was issued against him.
It was noted that after the order, Zormelo obtained documents with a fake identity and had various papers prepared, including a citizenship certificate. In December 2024, he reportedly managed to obtain a Canadian passport under the name Mitchell Leblanc.
HOW WAS THE FAKE IDENTITY UNCOVERED?
It was stated that Zormelo, who began using the fake passport, entered and exited Canada for approximately 15 months. The incident came to light in April 2026 when he presented a fake permanent resident card issued in the name of Leblanc to US Consulate officials.
Canada Border Services Agency officers detained Zormelo in Calgary. It was reported that the fake passport was also seized during a search of his hotel room.
PROSECUTOR REQUESTED 5-YEAR SENTENCE
In the case, prosecutor Tyler Lord requested a 5-year prison sentence for Zormelo. Defense attorney Devin Frank requested a lighter sentence, stating that his client had a difficult childhood in Ghana marked by poverty and abuse.
Announcing her decision in the case heard in Calgary, Judge Karen Molle emphasized that the actions damaged the reliability of the Canadian citizenship system. Molle stated, “This crime endangered public safety and our national security. The fake use of Canadian passports damages Canada's international reputation.”
The court sentenced Zormelo to 2 years in prison for citizenship fraud.
News Source: 12punto
