Toronto man who helped Iran evade sanctions used 3 identities, CBSA reveals

The Case of Ameen Cohen: Unraveling a Complex Identity

Ameen Cohen, a 37-year-old banking professional residing in Thornhill, Ontario, appears to lead an ordinary life. However, his unassuming presence belies a more intricate narrative. Recent revelations at a deportation hearing in Toronto, conducted by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), have brought to light a series of identities Ameen has assumed over the years. Born as Amin Riki in Iran, he later adopted the name Amin Yousefijam before finally changing it to Ameen Cohen in 2022. This evolution of names has raised eyebrows, particularly in light of his past conviction in the United States for aiding Iran in evading sanctions. Ameen’s case is now at the center of a deportation proceeding, with Canadian authorities arguing that his actions pose a national security threat. The CBSA contends that by facilitating the shipment of sensitive equipment to Iran, Ameen undermined Canada’s efforts to mitigate the dangers associated with the Islamic Republic, including the potential for terrorism and nuclear threats.

A Trail of Names and Questionable Decisions

The CBSA has highlighted Ameen’s multiple name changes as a point of concern, suggesting an intent to obscure his past. Ameen, however, maintains that these changes were personal choices. He testified that he changed his name from Riki to Yousefijam in Iran because he disliked the way "Riki" sounded. Upon arriving in Canada in 2016, he continued his life as Amin Yousefijam until 2022, when he legally changed his name to Ameen Cohen. He attributes this final change to a desire for a name that resonates with both English and Persian roots, emphasizing it as a personal decision. However, the CBSA points out that Ameen did not disclose his U.S. conviction on the name change application, which specifically asks about criminal records. Ameen claims he was informed by an Ontario government hotline that only Canadian convictions needed to be declared, a statement contradicted by the Ontario Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery, which asserts that all convictions, regardless of jurisdiction, must be disclosed.

Legal Consequences and Denials

Ameen’s legal troubles began in 2021 when he was arrested in Toronto on U.S. charges related to shipping restricted goods to Iran. He was detained in Canada for ten months before being extradited to Michigan, where he pleaded guilty to the charges. Ameen maintains that his guilty plea was a strategic move to expedite the legal process and does not constitute an admission of guilt. After serving his sentence, he returned to Ontario and promptly applied for a name change. The CBSA argues that this name change was an attempt to conceal his past, an allegation Ameen vehemently denies. He asserts that the name change was motivated by the inconvenience and prejudice he faced due to his long surname. Ameen’s brother, Arash Yousefijam, who also changed his name to Aurash Cohen, faced similar legal repercussions, losing his dental license in Ontario for failing to disclose his criminal history.

Broader Implications and Community Concerns

The case of Ameen Cohen is not isolated but part of a larger crackdown by the Canadian government on individuals with ties to the Iranian regime. In 2022, following global outrage over the killing of Mahsa Amini, Canada intensified its measures against Iran, including banning senior officials and vowing to deport those already in the country. The CBSA has identified 18 alleged Iranian officials living in Canada, with deportation orders issued against two individuals, Seyed Salman Samani and Majid Iranmanesh. However, the process has not been without challenges, with the IRB declining to expel others and withdrawing cases in some instances. This has raised concerns about the effectiveness of Canada’s immigration and legal systems in addressing potential security threats. The Iranian diaspora in Canada, known for its size and educational accomplishments, has become a focal point in discussions about foreign interference and influence.

Community and Government Response

The revelation of Ameen Cohen’s activities and the broader issue of Iranian officials living in Canada have sparked significant community and governmental response. The CBSA’s deportation hearing highlighted the complexities of balancing individual rights with national security concerns. Ameen’s case underscores the potential vulnerabilities in Canada’s name change and immigration systems, which some argue could be exploited by individuals seeking to evade accountability. The Ontario government has initiated a review of its name change processes to prevent such loopholes. Meanwhile, Ameen’s attorney has emphasized that his client should not be penalized for actions that he maintains were minor and taken at the request of his brother. The case is set to be ruled on by the Immigration and Refugee Board, with a decision expected this summer. The outcome will not only determine Ameen’s fate but also set a precedent for future cases involving individuals with ties to sanctioned regimes.

Conclusion and Future Considerations

In conclusion, Ameen Cohen’s case presents a multifaceted challenge for Canadian authorities, blending issues of identity, legal compliance, and national security. While Ameen maintains that his name changes were personal decisions and his legal transgressions were minor, the CBSA paints a picture of a calculated effort to deceive and undermine Canadian and international sanctions. As the IRB deliberates his deportation, the broader implications for Canada’s approach to managing individuals with ties to repressive regimes remain a critical concern. The case serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required in immigration policies, ensuring both the security of the nation and the fairness of its legal processes. The upcoming ruling will be closely watched, not only by Ameen but by the larger community and governance structures seeking to address similar challenges in the future.