If any money was exchanged for the LMIA then it's illegal. Employers cannot charge foreign worker anything for the LMIA. Many greedy and unscrupulous employers has been charging thousands of dollars for it. Of course it has come to the attention of the government and they inevitably will track down the perps.
Oh wow, I didn't even know you could buy LMIA, I thought it could be issued only if you are employed with the company for a year or so