Maqam Services, directors convicted after TICO charges

The Travel Industry Council of Ontario says 13697703 Canada Inc., operating as Maqam Services, has been convicted of one count of operating as a travel agent without being registered.

The company was charged by TICO.

Abdirahman Hussein and Siad Abdulle were also each convicted of one count of operating as a travel agent without being registered.

Hussein and Abdulle were also each convicted of one count of being an officer and director of a corporation and failing to take reasonable care to prevent the corporation from committing an offence.

The court found that Maqam Services advertised and sold Islamic holy pilgrimage travel packages and accepted payments from consumers without being registered with TICO.

The company continued to operate unregistered after being advised of its obligations to come into compliance, TICO says.

13697703 Canada Inc., operating as Maqam Services, was fined $12,500.

Hussein was fined $11,250 and Abdulle was fined $6,250. The fines are inclusive of a victim surcharge.

Maqam Community Initiatives now operates as a registered trade name under Amax Travel Services Corp., a TICO-registered travel agency.

TICO says it prosecutes unregistered companies and individuals to maintain the integrity of Ontario’s travel marketplace, support consumer confidence when purchasing from registered travel professionals and ensure a level playing field for registered businesses.

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