Parliamentary Committee Notes: Immigration chronology overview

The IRCC, with support from CBSA and CSIS, has produced this immigration chronology in the interest of supporting the objectives of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (SECU) to review the “Foiled Terrorist Plot in Toronto and of the Security Screening Process for Permanent Residence and Citizenship Application”. Every effort has been made to disclose as much information as possible to meet these objectives, while respecting criminal proceedings and the accused’s constitutional right to the presumption of innocence in regard to the alleged offences, and the protection of personal information in accordance with Privacy Act of Canada, as well as protecting sources and investigative techniques.

NAME: ELDIDI, Ahmed Fouad Mostafa

COUNTRY OF BIRTH:Egypt

CITIZENSHIP: Canada

Issue

Ahmed Fouad Mostafa ELDIDI, herein referenced to as the Subject, is a naturalized Canadian citizen. The Subject and his son were arrested and charged in connection with terrorist activities on behalf of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The Subject is charged with the following Criminal Code of Canada (CCC) offences:

Background

DEC2017 Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) received a temporary resident visa (TRV) application made by the Subject for a visitor visa. The initial application was refused (potential non-genuine visitor); however, a subsequent application was submitted with additional documentation.

Biometrics Note: Biometrics (i.e. fingerprints) were automatically referred to RCMP; no match to existing criminal record

JAN2018 IRCC approved the TRV application made by the Subject and issued a TRV.

Security Screening Note: As initial IRCC security assessment did not identify any risk indicators, application not referred for comprehensive security screening by CSIS and CBSA.

05FEB2018 The Subject entered Canada at Lester B. Pearson International Airport.

JUN2018 The Subject arrived at an IRCC office and made an asylum claim. An appointment for eligibility assessment was given to the subject for the month of July.

JUL2018 The Subject attended the IRCC office per their scheduled appointment. A risk- indicator presented on this file that was addressed during the interview.

(Note: Specific risk-indicators cannot be disclosed in order to protect the integrity of the immigration screening program.)

IRCC subsequently triaged the refugee claim, reviewing for any concerns about inadmissibility, credibility, or program integrity, that would warrant further investigation or intervention in the claim by IRCC or the CBSA. No additional concerns were identified. The claim was found to be eligible to be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board.

Biometrics Note: Biometrics (i.e. fingerprints) were automatically referred to RCMP; no match to existing criminal record

Security Screening Note: Security screening partners perform comprehensive security screening on 100% of in-Canada refugee claimants. Application was reviewed and a favourable recommendation was provided by security screening partners.

SEP2018 IRCC approved a Work Permit for the Subject. A similar risk-indicator from JUN2018, and previously addressed, presented on this file.

(Note: Specific risk-indicators cannot be disclosed in order to protect the integrity of the immigration screening program.)

Security Screening Note: Application was not referred to CSIS and CBSA for comprehensive security screening, as work permits linked to asylum claims are not typically assessed for admissibility.

FEB2019 The Subject was granted Convention Refugee (CR) status by the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB).

APR2019 IRCC received an application for Permanent Residence (PR). Risk indicators presented on this file.

(Note: Specific risk-indicators cannot be disclosed in order to protect the integrity of the immigration screening program.)

Security Screening Note: Application referred to CSIS and CBSA for comprehensive security screening in JAN2021; security screening partners returned a favourable recommendation.

SEP2021 The Subject became a Permanent Resident (PR) of Canada.

SEP2023 The Subject submitted an application for Canadian Citizenship pursuant to subsection 5(1) of the Citizenship Act.

Security Screening Note: Application referred to CSIS for security checks in NOV2023; CSIS returned a favourable recommendation.

MAY2024 The Subject was granted Canadian citizenship.

Screening Note: Final check performed in immigration records management system to confirm no new flags or concerns

Biometrics Note: Biometrics purge request sent to RCMP after issuance of Citizenship status (RCMP does not maintain immigration biometrics once an individual becomes a Canadian citizen)

JUN2024 CSIS became aware of the potential national security threat posed by the Subject, and took all measures to assess and mitigate that threat.

JUN2024 In response to a CSIS request, IRCC disclosed to CSIS information in its holdings on the Subject.

JUL2024 RCMP received information about the subject’s alleged intent to carry out a terrorist attack.

JUL2024 The CBSA issued a Lookout in their systems.

JUL2024 The Subject and his son were arrested and charged with 9 offences, including terrorism-related offences.Footnote1

JUL2024 In response to a CSIS request, IRCC disclosed to CSIS information in its holdings on the Subject.

AUG2024 IRCC conducted a preliminary review of the file and will monitor the progress of the criminal investigation and court proceedings (dates and decisions) so appropriate corresponding action under the Citizenship Act is taken, if necessary.

Next steps

NAME: ELDIDI, Mostafa Ahmed Fouad Mostafa

COUNTRY OF BIRTH: Egypt

CITIZENSHIP: Egypt

ISSUE: Mostafa Ahmed Fouad Mostafa ELDIDI, herein referenced to as the Subject, was arrested and charged with his Father in connection with terrorist activities on behalf of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The Subject is charged with the following Criminal Code of Canada (CCC) offences:

Background

JUL2019 The Subject submitted a study permit application, which was refused by IRCC (potential non-genuine student).

Biometrics Note: Biometrics (i.e. fingerprints) were automatically referred to RCMP; no match to existing criminal record

17FEB2020 The Subject entered Canada at the Fort Erie land border from the United States (US) and made an asylum claim. The Subject indicated that he entered the US in JAN2020 on a US Student Visa.

Biometrics Note: Biometrics (i.e. fingerprints) were automatically referred to RCMP; no match to existing criminal record

Security Screening Note: Application was assessed by CBSA and CSIS and a favourable recommendation was provided.

SEPT 2020 IRCC triaged the refugee claim when received, reviewing for any concerns about inadmissibility, credibility, or program integrity that would warrant further investigation or intervention in the claim by IRCC or the CBSA. The claim was found to be eligible to be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board.

JUL2022 The Subject was granted Convention Refugee (CR) status by the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB).

JUL2024 In response to a CSIS request, IRCC disclosed to CSIS information in its holdings on the Subject.

JUL2024 The Subject and his father were arrested and charged with 9 offences, including terrorism-related offences.

JUL2024 CBSA opened an inland investigation and will monitor the progress of the criminal investigation and court proceedings (dates and decisions) so appropriate corresponding action under the IRPA is taken, if necessary.

Next steps

Footnotes

  1. 1

    Father and son arrested for terrorism offences | Royal Canadian Mounted Police (rcmp-grc.gc.ca)

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