Toronto Resident Ordered Deported for Aiding in Evasion of Sanctions Against Iran

 

 

A former lieutenant with the Tehran police, who had been living in Canada under an assumed name, has been ordered to be deported. The Immigration and Refugee Board issued the deportation order for Amin Yousefijam, who played a key role in a criminal network that worked to circumvent sanctions imposed on Iran.

The tribunal found that Amin played a significant part in violating export sanctions imposed on Iran by the United States and Canada. He was responsible for the logistics of shipping electronic equipment, motors, and other materials—which could potentially be used in the manufacture of weapons—to Iran.

Having arrived in Canada in 2016, he was later apprehended in the United States; following a guilty plea, he was sent back to Canada. He subsequently changed his name to "Ameen Cohen." However, the Board determined that he had deliberately concealed his criminal background when applying for the name change.

Deportation proceedings for the individual—who was arrested in 2021—began in September 2024 and concluded in February 2025. It has been noted that he currently remains in Canada and is exploring other available legal avenues. Since 2022, Canada has imposed a ban on senior Iranian officials. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has identified 40 such officials; of these, two have been deported, and eight have left the country voluntarily.