Karima Manji, a Toronto woman previously convicted of fraud, has been sentenced to three years in prison for committing Inuit identity fraud. Manji, who is not Indigenous, pleaded guilty to defrauding over $5,000 after her twin daughters used fake Inuit status to gain access to benefits from two organizations.
In a departure from the Crown’s recommendation of two years, the Nunavut judge emphasized the severity of Manji’s actions, stating that she exploited the territory’s Inuit community by stealing their identity. The judge pointed out that Manji’s fraudulent activities victimized the family of an elderly Inuk woman who has since passed away, highlighting the egregious nature of the crime against Indigenous Peoples.
Charges against Manji’s daughters were dropped following her guilty plea. The sentencing serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of identity fraud, particularly against vulnerable communities.
