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A former Tehran police lieutenant faces deportation from Canada over his involvement in an international sanctions evasion operation. The man, who lived in Toronto under several identities, helped transport restricted goods to Iran.
The Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) identified Amin Yousefijam as a key participant in the criminal network. According to the tribunal, the group illegally exported electronics, motors, and other restricted materials to Iran.
Moreover, investigators found that some shipments contained dual-use equipment with potential military applications.
Canadian Tribunal Orders Deportation Over Iran Sanctions
The IRB detailed Yousefijam’s activities in a 36-page decision. Global News obtained the ruling this week.
According to the tribunal, Yousefijam coordinated shipments between the United States and Iran. He arranged transportation and communicated with suppliers and shipping companies.
Furthermore, the restricted materials had both civilian and military applications. Some equipment could potentially support weapons development.
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IRB Member Christopher Marcinkiewicz concluded that Yousefijam participated in an organization that violated Canadian and American sanctions.
Consequently, Marcinkiewicz ordered his deportation.
The tribunal issued its ruling in July 2026. However, authorities only made the decision public this week.
Yousefijam confirmed by telephone that he remains in Canada. Nevertheless, he declined to discuss whether he had appealed the deportation order.
He described the proceedings as an ongoing legal matter. Additionally, he said he was considering his options while continuing to live peacefully.
Multiple Identities Raise Questions About Credibility
Yousefijam entered Canada in 2016 using the name Amin Riki.
In 2021, Canadian authorities arrested him in Toronto. Subsequently, they extradited him to Michigan to face charges involving the sanctions evasion network.
His brother, Arash Yousefijam, led the operation.
Following his guilty plea in an American court, Yousefijam returned to Ontario. He later adopted the name Ameen Cohen.
This became the third identity authorities associated with him.
However, his application for a legal name change raised additional concerns.
The IRB found that Yousefijam deliberately concealed his American criminal conviction. Specifically, he answered “No” when the application asked about previous criminal convictions.
Yousefijam claimed a government employee had advised him against declaring convictions from outside Canada.
Nevertheless, the tribunal rejected that explanation.
Marcinkiewicz concluded that Yousefijam intentionally withheld information about his criminal history.
Furthermore, the tribunal questioned his credibility throughout the proceedings.
Tribunal Rejects Claims of Limited Involvement
Yousefijam argued that he played only a minor role in the smuggling operation.
He portrayed himself as an inexperienced participant who followed his brother’s instructions.
However, the IRB rejected that characterization.
The tribunal determined that Yousefijam understood the organization’s activities and knowingly participated in the operation.
Moreover, investigators found that his responsibilities directly supported the movement of restricted equipment.
According to the ruling, he voluntarily joined the network and understood its purpose.
Consequently, the tribunal considered his involvement essential to the organization’s success.
How the International Smuggling Network Operated
The Yousefijam brothers worked with another associate to transport restricted goods through the United Arab Emirates.
Their operation relied on a shipping method known as “cross-stuffing.”
Under this arrangement, exporters first shipped products to an intermediary country. They then transferred the goods between shipping containers before forwarding them to Iran.
This process helped conceal the shipments’ final destination.
Meanwhile, Yousefijam contacted American suppliers and shipping companies. He also coordinated deliveries and managed transportation arrangements.
Although his brother directed the broader operation, Yousefijam handled important logistical responsibilities.
The tribunal emphasized that his participation enabled restricted equipment to reach Iran.
Therefore, investigators considered his role significant despite his limited leadership responsibilities.
CBSA Raises Security Concerns
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) argued that Yousefijam posed a security threat to Canada.
However, the IRB reached a narrower conclusion.
The tribunal found insufficient evidence to establish that he continued to present an active security danger.
Nevertheless, the board determined that his membership in a criminal organization justified deportation.
As a result, the removal order rests on his involvement in organized criminal activity.
Meanwhile, his brother Arash, now known as Aurash Cohen, holds Canadian citizenship.
Consequently, he does not face immigration removal proceedings.
An American court also convicted Arash in connection with the operation.
Additionally, Ontario revoked his dental licence in 2024 following reporting by Global News about his criminal history.
Canada Expands Investigations Into Iranian Regime Officials
The Yousefijam case comes amid broader Canadian investigations involving individuals connected to Iran’s government.
According to the CBSA, authorities had identified 40 senior Iranian regime officials living in Canadian cities as of October 1.
At that point, Canada had deported two individuals. Another eight had left voluntarily.
Furthermore, two individuals awaited removal.
The remaining cases involved immigration hearings or other proceedings before the IRB.
Canada introduced restrictions against senior Iranian government officials in 2022.
Since then, federal authorities have investigated individuals who may fall under those restrictions.
Meanwhile, Iranian-Canadian communities have repeatedly expressed concerns about the presence of individuals connected to Tehran’s political establishment.
Some community members argue that Canada should strengthen its screening and enforcement procedures.
Federal Contracts Trigger Additional Questions
A separate Global News investigation raised concerns about federal contracts involving a relative of a former Iranian vice president.
According to the report, the individual lives in Edmonton and operates businesses under the name Sal Ghafouri.
Federal organizations awarded his businesses contracts worth nearly $2 million.
These organizations reportedly included the RCMP and Canadian Forces.
Moreover, authorities began examining allegations involving possible connections to Iran’s military.
The investigation remains separate from the Yousefijam deportation proceedings.
Nevertheless, both cases have intensified questions about Canadian oversight and national security.
Canadian Intelligence Warns About Iranian Interference
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has emphasized Canada’s use of sanctions to address security threats linked to Iran.
Meanwhile, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) continues monitoring foreign interference activities.
CSIS identifies Iran among five major states involved in foreign interference targeting Canada.
The intelligence agency has also warned about Iranian intelligence operations involving intermediaries and criminal networks.
According to CSIS, Iranian intelligence services sometimes rely on agents, contacts, and sympathizers operating outside Iran.
Furthermore, some individuals maintain connections with organized crime groups.
These concerns have increased scrutiny of Iranian government-linked activities in Canada.
Deportation Case Raises Questions About Delays
The deportation proceedings against Yousefijam began in September 2024.
The hearings concluded in February 2025. However, the IRB did not issue its deportation order until July 2026.
This timeline has raised questions about the length of the decision-making process.
Additionally, Yousefijam’s American conviction dates back to 2021.
Despite the deportation order, he confirmed that he continues to live in Canada.
His current immigration status and any potential appeal remain unclear.
Ultimately, the case highlights Canada’s challenges in enforcing sanctions and immigration laws.
It also raises broader questions about international criminal networks, national security, and the effectiveness of deportation procedures.
