Guy Kwadjo Kouassi, a 44-year-old Ivorian national, has been deported from Canada following a decision issued on January 14 by the Immigration and Refugee Board. Commissioner Daphnée Clément ruled that the permanent resident would no longer be allowed to return to Canada due to his involvement in a criminal network specializing in romance scams.

Having arrived in Quebec in 2012 from Côte d’Ivoire, Mr. Kouassi is believed to be an influential member of the African Organized Crime (AOC) network, according to the Sûreté du Québec. He allegedly served as a financial intermediary within the network, facilitating the transfer and laundering of funds obtained from victims of romance fraud.

A Clandestine Financial Transfer Operation

To move the money, Mr. Kouassi reportedly used the “swap” system, also known as hawala. This method, which operates outside traditional banking systems, allows large sums of money to be transferred without leaving an official trace, making it difficult to track the origin of the funds.

He is said to have worked with Sogli Espoir Kouassi, identified by authorities as one of the network’s leaders. The Sûreté du Québec included this organization in its “Project POURRIEL,” an investigation aimed at dismantling romance scam networks operating in the province. According to authorities, these networks primarily target vulnerable individuals, extract significant amounts of money from them, and quickly disperse the funds to erase any trace.

A Well-Established Criminal Network in Canada

The Canada Border Services Agency has identified nearly 200 individuals linked to the AOC operating in Quebec. Most are believed to have entered Canada on student permits before engaging in illicit activities. These individuals are largely from West Africa, particularly Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, and Nigeria.

According to the case findings, the network’s activities extend beyond romance scams. It is also involved in the production of forged documents, money laundering, as well as the theft and export of vehicles to West Africa.

The deportation order issued on January 14 effectively ends Mr. Kouassi’s stay in Canada and bars him from returning to the country