Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include more accurate dates.
MOOSE JAW — A joint investigation by the Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has resulted in the arrest of four immigrants who were working here illegally.
The MJPS received information in November about an unlicensed paving company working in Moose Jaw. The company was operating under multiple names, including “Hortons Paving and Masonry” and “Tartans Paving.”
The information provided was that the company was going door-to-door, offering driveway paving services to residents. Police also learned that the company used high-pressure and aggressive sales tactics on residents while attempting to acquire their business, making homeowners feel uncomfortable. Additionally, the company was requesting that customers pay in cash.
Working with the City of Moose Jaw’s Bylaw Enforcement Office, the MJPS’s Criminal Investigation Section (CIS) discovered that the company was not registered or licensed to operate in Moose Jaw.
On Aug. 20, CIS located the paving crew working within the city, although the company’s foreman/owner could not be located on arrival.
CIS discovered that the company’s workers were Mexican citizens who did not have the proper documentation to work in Canada. After arresting the four immigrants, Moose Jaw police turned them over to the CBSA.
Currently, police don’t believe that this company is responsible for any crimes in Moose Jaw, but officers are continuing to investigate the situation.
Police are reminding residents to be diligent when hiring businesses, and if something seems suspicious, they should call the City of Moose Jaw with concerns or to confirm whether the business is licensed or registered to work in the city. Red flags in this instance included door-to-door sales and high-pressure tactics.
Anyone with further information should contact CRIME STOPPERS at 1-800-222-8477 or the Moose Jaw Police Service at 306-694-7600.
