CBSA investigation into prohibited devices leads to charges against residents of Laval and Saint-Eustache

MONTREAL, June 18, 2025 /CNW/ - Scott Shein, 51, a resident of Laval, and John Papadimitriou, 52, a resident of Saint-Eustache, will appear in court on June 19, 2025, at the Laval courthouse to face 17 criminal charges. These charges were laid as part of a criminal investigation by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) into the illegal importation of a prohibited weapon and prohibited devices.

The CBSA investigation followed the interception of packages by Canada Border Services officers in April 2024 at the CBSA International Mail Processing Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. The investigation identified two individuals in Canada involved in importing a prohibited weapon and devices from the United States. Search warrants executed at the residences of the two accused on June 6, 2024, resulted in the seizure of additional evidence, including several weapons.

Scott Shein and John Papadimitriou are both charged with importing prohibited devices under subsection 159(1) of the Customs Act and paragraph 104(1)(a) of the Criminal Code, as well as conspiracy under subsection 465(1) of the Criminal Code.

Scott Shein faces three additional charges related to the importation and possession of prohibited weapons:

• one count under subsection 159(1) of the Customs Act for smuggling goods into Canada;
• one count under paragraph 104(1)(a) of the Criminal Code, for importing a prohibited weapon into Canada; and
• one count under subsection 91(2) of the Criminal Code, for possession of prohibited weapons.

John Papadimitriou faces the following charges:

• one count under paragraph 108(1)(b) of the Criminal Code for possessing a restricted firearm with an obliterated serial number;
• one count under subsection 99(1) of the Criminal Code for manufacturing a restricted firearm;
• three counts under subsection 102.1(1) of the Criminal Code for possessing computer data for the purpose of printing firearms using a 3D printer;
• one count under subsection 91(1) of the Criminal Code for being in possession of five restricted or prohibited firearms without authorization;
• one count under subsection 86(1) of the Criminal Code for improperly storing 14 firearms;
• two counts under subsection 91(2) of the Criminal Code for possessing 15 prohibited weapons and 14 prohibited devices; and
• one count under section 155 of the Customs Act for possession of four illegally imported prohibited devices.

A file concerning these offences was referred to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, and charges were laid on June 2, 2025. These charges are subject to validation by the court.

Quote

"The interception of high-risk goods, such as firearms, firearm components, and prohibited weapons and devices, is a priority for the Canada Border Services Agency. Offenders will be held accountable for their actions. I commend our officers who, through their dedication and expertise, have protected our communities by stopping the illegal flow of dangerous weapons".
            -  Eric Lapierre, Regional Director General, Quebec Region, Canada Border Services Agency

Quick facts

• Canada is investing $1.3 billion to bolster security at the border and strengthen the immigration system, all while keeping Canadians safe. Information on the border plan is available at The Government of Canada's Border Plan: significant investments to strengthen border security and our immigration system.
  
  
• The CBSA is committed to protecting Canadians by preventing firearms and prohibited weapons from entering our communities and conducting criminal investigations into those who commit criminal offences under border legislation.
  
  
• The Agency conducts intelligence and investigative operations to identify and intercept contraband. These activities consistently result in numerous seizures across the country and various charges under the Customs Act and the Criminal Code.
  
  
• For the latest seizure statistics, visit the Canada Border Services Agency seizures page.
  
  
• Report any suspicious cross-border activity by contacting the Border Watch Hotline at 1-888-502-9060 (toll-free from Canada and the United States).

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SOURCE Canada Border Services Agency

Contacts: Media Relations, Canada Border Services Agency, [email protected], 1-877-761-5945