The CBSA is drawing attention to a criminal scheme involving fraudulent documents in the March 13, 2026, edition of the Trusted Trader Newsletter: Winter 2026. The scheme is referred to as “BN Hijacking” in Canada, but it is also known as “Piggybacking” in some jurisdictions.
This scheme involves criminals and smugglers obtaining legitimate cargo documents, altering them using computer editing software, and using these falsified documents to clear contraband through customs control.
How to Spot Suspicious Behavior
- The carrier suddenly stops communicating.
- The carrier presents unoriginal or photocopied documents.
- The shipment is unusually delayed.
- A third-party carrier is used without prior approval.
- Seal numbers do not match.
- There is evidence that someone has altered the shipping documents.
- There is unusual use of White-Out or other correction tools.
How to Prevent “BN Hijacking”
- Screen your business partners carefully.
- Consider working only with PIP and CTPAT-certified businesses.
- Conduct open-source research on your vendors and carriers.
- Use risk management software.
- Partner with companies that track your shipments in real time.
- Reconcile shipments with purchase orders as soon as possible to identify duplicates.
- Check seals upon delivery to ensure they match the records.
If you suspect that your shipment has been or will be used to move contraband, contact CBSA Border Watch at 1-888-502-9060.
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