In Ontario, Canada, the details of two brothers convicted in the United States for helping Iran evade sanctions were revealed. Amin and Arash Yousefijam, who were born in Iran but had lived in Ontario, legally adopted new identities in the form of Ameen and Aurash Cohen after completing part of their sentences. Despite the name changes, Amin faced deportation by the Canada Border Services Agency for his involvement in dodging sanctions on Iran, while his brother Arash, now a Canadian citizen, could not be deported. Arash defended the name changes, stating they wanted to start a new life after resolving their legal issues.
The case of the Yousefijam brothers is a test of Canada’s response to foreign citizens on its soil violating sanctions aimed at curbing the threat posed by the Iranian regime. The CBSA is trying to deport Amin for undermining Canada’s efforts to contain the threat posed by Iran through activities that compromised the country’s foreign policy goals. Iran has relied on an international supply network to acquire dual-use technologies with military applications and has established shell companies in strategic countries like Canada. Jessica Davis, an expert on national security, emphasized that anyone involved in undermining global sanctions undermines global security and Canadian security.
Beginning in 2015, Amin, Arash, and a co-conspirator in Iran utilized a shell company to illegally export restricted materials to Iran through a cross-stuffing scheme. A CBSA report alleges that Amin played a significant role in the plot and was primarily responsible for arranging shipping logistics. The use of money laundering by the co-conspirators was cited as adding to the security threat posed to Canada. Despite arguing that his involvement in the scheme was minimal, Amin faces deportation for undermining the sanctions regime and potentially compromising national security goals. The U.S. filed a sealed indictment against the Yousefijams in 2020, leading to their arrests and subsequent convictions.
After serving their sentences, the brothers returned to Canada and legally changed their names, with Arash continuing his career as a dentist under the new identity of Aurash Cohen. Amin, who was facing deportation by the CBSA, argued against being removed from Canada, citing his remorse for involvement in the scheme and his efforts to integrate into society. However, the seriousness of the allegations against him and the public interest in upholding sanctions enforcement outweighed any potential difficulties from his removal. The IRB is set to decide whether a deportation order should be issued for Amin, while his brother Arash, a naturalized Canadian citizen, remains unaffected.
The case of the Yousefijam brothers has raised questions about Canada’s response to individuals involved in sanctions evasion activities. The role of the U.S. in enforcing financial regulations worldwide has been highlighted, while Canada’s capacity in detecting and disrupting such activities has been questioned. Despite his criminal conviction for sanctions evasion, Amin continued to work as a compliance officer, raising concerns about his suitability for the role. With Iran and Israel edging towards conflict, the enforcement of sanctions against Iran plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of instability in the Middle East.
As the Yousefijam case unfolds, the implications for Canada’s national security and its response to individuals involved in sanctions violations remain at the forefront. The brothers’ attempts to start a new life in Canada after their convictions in the U.S. have been met with deportation proceedings against Amin, while Arash’s citizenship status protects him from similar consequences. The IRB’s decision on whether to issue a deportation order for Amin will determine the outcome of the case and the enforcement of sanctions against those involved in illicit activities aimed at circumventing restrictions on Iran.
