The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario has revoked the license of a dentist named Dr. Aurash Cohen after it was revealed by Global News that he was practicing under a false name following his conviction for helping Iran evade sanctions. The certification was cancelled on Nov. 20, and dentists seeking certification in Ontario are required to disclose any criminal conduct history on their application. Dr. Cohen was actually Arash Yousefijam, who, along with his brother Amin Yousefijam, pleaded guilty to running an Iran sanctions dodging scheme in 2021. The brothers were sentenced to time served in the U.S. before being returned to Canada and changing their names.
Arash Yousefijam and his brother Amin Yousefijam used the Ontario name change system to adopt new identities as Aurash and Ameen Cohen. Arash Cohen graduated from McGill University and became a dentist in June, while Ameen Cohen was hired as a corporate compliance officer. However, their plan came to light when immigration officials launched deportation proceedings against Amin Yousefijam, who was originally from Iran and entered Canada through the Skilled Workers Program. A hearing to decide his deportation is set to begin in Toronto, with the Canada Border Services Agency arguing that Amin Yousefijam is a threat to Canada’s security due to his actions undermining efforts to contain the Iranian regime.
Arash Yousefijam, now a naturalized Canadian citizen, cannot be deported and did not respond to requests for comment. The Ontario government is reportedly looking into reforming its name change policies to prevent individuals convicted of international sanctions violations and other serious offenses from hiding their pasts. Iran is a source of instability in the Middle East, leading a group that includes Hezbollah, Yemen’s Houthis, and Hamas, which recently attacked Israel. The Iranian regime has also been connected to assassination plots targeting dissidents abroad, including former Liberal MP Irwin Cotler, a vocal critic of the Islamic Republic.
The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario requires applicants to demonstrate that their past and present conduct inspires confidence that they will work with decency, integrity, and honesty while adhering to the law. The registration regulations also stipulate that applicants who make false or misleading statements in their application will not be issued a certificate of registration. The case of Dr. Aurash Cohen sheds light on the need for stricter policies to prevent individuals with criminal histories from evading detection and practicing under false identities. The ongoing deportation proceedings against Amin Yousefijam highlight the potential security risks posed by individuals involved in international sanctions evasion schemes.
Overall, the case of the Yousefijam brothers underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in professional licensing processes. By requiring applicants to disclose any criminal conduct history and ensuring that they act in accordance with the law, regulatory bodies can help maintain the integrity of professions such as dentistry. The actions of Arash and Amin Yousefijam, now known as Aurash and Ameen Cohen, have raised concerns about individuals with criminal backgrounds using legal loopholes to enter and practice in regulated professions. As the legal and regulatory systems evolve to address these challenges, the case serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of individuals attempting to conceal their past transgressions in order to pursue professional opportunities.
