INDUCED ALIENS TO COME TO THE U.S. UNDER FALSE PRETENSES
An Iranian national (38), is alleged to have “organized, led, and worked with others … to facilitate the entry of Iranian citizens into the United States under false pretenses,” according to a press release issued by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ).
In an indictment, unsealed on Monday, May 8, 2023, the individual in question charged individuals between $1000 - $3000 for “tourist visas” containing “false information.” (Apparently, the applications claimed that the individuals had “strong ties to Iran,” and that they intended to return – even though the applicants intended to remain in the United States. The individual in question also supposedly coached these applicants to lie during their visa interviews at the U.S. Consulate.)
In a written statement released by the agency, U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia, observed, “[The accused] allegedly exploited individuals and the U.S. immigration system through his visa scheme, trading on lies and fake documents to facilitate the illegal entry of Iranian citizens into the United States under false pretenses …. We are committed to holding accountable those who seek personal monetary gain by compromising and undermining the integrity of the immigration process.”
Charged with “conspiracy to defraud the United States and commit visa fraud, visa fraud, conspiracy to encourage and induce an alien to come to the United States for profit, and encouraging and inducing an alien to come to the United States for profit,” the man faces up to 10 years in prison.
If these allegations are proven true, it looks like this guy may be taking an extended trip of his own.
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An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.