Ontario Reconsiders Name Change Laws After Brothers Convicted of Evading Iran Sanctions Change Identities in Province
The Ontario government is reviewing its name change system in the wake of a case where two brothers convicted of helping Iran evade sanctions were able to adopt new identities in the province.
"The ability to change one’s name should not be a loophole for evading justice," said Matthew D’Amico, spokesperson for Todd McCarthy, the minister responsible for the name change registry. "Allowing serious criminal offenders to conceal their identities not only undermines the integrity of our justice system but also poses a significant risk to our communities."
The brothers, Amin and Arash Yousefijam, were convicted in the U.S. of helping Iran evade sanctions. They were allowed to change their names to Ameen and Aurash Cohen, respectively, in April 2022, while they were still serving out part of their sentences and Canada was trying to deport one of the brothers.
Using his new name, Arash Yousefijam, 36, became a dentist and worked in Ottawa as Dr. Aurash Cohen. His brother, 37, got a job as a financial compliance officer at an international company in Richmond Hill, Ont. Property records show an Ameen Cohen bought a home in the city in 2022.
The brothers’ name changes were revealed in hundreds of pages of public documents entered as exhibits in their deportation case. The Canada Border Services Agency argued that Amin Yousefijam’s illegal shipping of sensitive manufacturing equipment to Iran undermined Canada’s efforts to contain the threat posed by the regime.
"We will be exploring options to prohibit individuals guilty of serious Criminal Code offences and international sanctions violations, including terrorism-related crimes, from legally changing their names," said D’Amico.
While the province is reviewing its name change system, it also needs the federal government to close gaps in the immigration system that allow individuals with criminal backgrounds and sanctions into Canada, D’Amico added.
The issue arose as Canada is using sanctions to contain Iran’s efforts to destabilize the Middle East and lead an "axis of resistance" that includes terror groups Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Yemeni Houthis.
The Immigration and Refugee Board was set to begin a deportation hearing for Amin Yousefijam on October 28, citing that he is a danger to the security of Canada.
Conclusion
The case highlights the importance of protecting the integrity of the justice system and ensuring that individuals with criminal backgrounds do not exploit the name change system to evade justice. The Ontario government’s decision to review its name change laws is a positive step in addressing this issue and ensuring that individuals with criminal records cannot use the system to evade accountability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is the Ontario government reviewing its name change system?
A: The government is reviewing its name change system to ensure that individuals with criminal backgrounds do not use the system to evade justice and to protect the integrity of the justice system.
Q: How did the Yousefijam brothers change their names?
A: The brothers changed their names to Ameen and Aurash Cohen, respectively, in April 2022, while they were still serving out part of their sentences and Canada was trying to deport one of the brothers.
Q: What are the implications of this case?
A: The case highlights the importance of protecting the integrity of the justice system and ensuring that individuals with criminal backgrounds do not exploit the name change system to evade justice. It also raises concerns about the United States’ ability to effectively enforce its sanctions against Iran.
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