“I lost everything”: Newcomer alleges $500K scam in Yukon immigration nightmare

Allegations suggest pattern of exploitation

Jimmy Burg, a Vancouver-based lawyer representing both Lee and Zhang, suggested in a statement that the two cases may point to a troubling trend.

“These actions suggest a potential pattern,” Burg wrote in an email to CBC News. “Ms. Ozen may be using the [business nominee program to] cultivate relationships of trust with immigrants and induce them to invest their funds into her various family-controlled entities on the false promise of Canadian citizenship.”

Burg added that the plaintiffs allege a breach of fiduciary duty. None of the allegations have been tested in court. Ozen declined to comment on the lawsuit, saying she intends to tell her side “once the case is settled.” Tang has not responded publicly.

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Business failure and personal loss

Lee’s statement of claim details a cascade of problems following his investment. The business, Enviro Clean, launched in June 2022 with Tang as a partner — a connection Lee says he was not told was familial. Tang allegedly mismanaged the business, told customers the equipment was broken when it was functional and physically assaulted Lee during a dispute over workload distribution.

By January 2025, Ozen had withdrawn as Lee’s immigration representative, and Tang had reportedly abandoned the business. The lawsuit claims Lee was left with irreparable damage to his financial standing and immigration prospects.

Understanding and avoiding immigration scams

For newcomers like Franklin Lee, the dream of building a new life in Canada can quickly turn into a financial and emotional nightmare when trust is misplaced. His story is a sobering reminder of the importance of due diligence when navigating the immigration process, especially when personal savings, family futures, and legal status are on the line.

Canada’s Yukon Business Nominee Program is one of several regional immigration streams designed to attract entrepreneurs from abroad. It allows foreign nationals to apply for a two-year work permit to start or buy a business in the Yukon. If program conditions are met, including hitting certain business milestones, the applicant may then be nominated for permanent residency.

But while the pathway offers promise, it also requires caution. Complex programs like this can be difficult to understand, and unfortunately, they can become a target for bad actors who take advantage of hopeful immigrants.

To safeguard yourself and your loved ones, here are key steps you should take before engaging with any immigration consultant or business proposal:

• Verify your consultant’s credentials. Only licensed consultants are authorized to represent you. Check their status on the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) website. If they’re not listed, walk away.
• Get independent legal advice. Before transferring money or signing any documents, consult an immigration or business lawyer who is not affiliated with the consultant. This small step can prevent enormous loss.
• Beware of vague promises. Avoid anyone who guarantees residency or fast-tracks your application for a fee. No one can promise you a visa.
• Never sign blank documents. You have a right to understand everything you’re submitting. If someone refuses to explain, pressures you to sign quickly, or asks you to leave sections blank “for them to fill in later,” that’s a major red flag.
• Keep written records. Save all correspondence, receipts and contracts. If something goes wrong, this documentation will be essential in any legal proceedings.

While immigration is often a leap of faith, it shouldn’t be a blind one. Being informed, cautious and empowered with the right tools can make the difference between a dream fulfilled and a devastating financial loss.

If you believe you’ve been scammed or misled, report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or contact your local police. You can also file a complaint with the CICC and seek legal assistance as soon as possible. No one should have to fight for their future alone.

Scams can have long-lasting financial and emotional consequences. As Lee’s case moves through the courts, it serves as a warning for newcomers to stay alert and protect themselves from predatory practices.

Sources

1. CBC News: 2nd man files lawsuit against Whitehorse immigration consultant alleging he was scammed out of nearly $500K (May 27, 2025)