In short
- Dilbar submitted fraudulent documents in two Special Immigrant Visa applications, including a false approval letter from the US Embassy Kabul.
- He was granted a Special Immigrant Visa and lawful permanent residency in April 2024 based on these false representations.
What happened
Dilbar Gul Dilbar, an Afghan citizen, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to Visa fraud and was sentenced to six months in prison. The DOJ states that Dilbar paid individuals in 2017 and 2021 to compile and submit Special Immigrant Visa applications containing false evidence.
Despite knowing the documents were fraudulent, Dilbar swore to their authenticity, resulting in his admission to the United States and lawful permanent residency in April 2024. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire.
Dilbar was aware that the person he had paid submitted a false and fraudulent approval letter from the Chief of Mission in the US Embassy Kabul, but he swore and affirmed that the evidence submitted was true and correct.
Named in this item
What compliance teams should check
- Review all Special Immigrant Visa applications for evidence of fraudulent approval letters, especially those purportedly from the US Embassy Kabul.
- Verify sworn statements and supporting documents submitted by applicants like Dilbar Gul Dilbar for authenticity and consistency.
- Monitor for repeated applications by the same individual, as Dilbar submitted fraudulent applications in both 2017 and 2021.
Why it matters
This case highlights the risks of fraudulent documentation in immigration processes, which can undermine the integrity of AML/CFT controls by allowing individuals to obtain legal status under false pretenses. Compliance officers must be vigilant in verifying the authenticity of supporting documents and sworn statements, as fraudulent admissions can facilitate illicit financial activity and complicate due diligence. The involvement of multiple actors and repeated attempts to defraud the system underscore the need for robust verification and cross-checking procedures.
Catch stories like these on your own customers.
complead screens your customers against adverse media, sanctions and PEP lists, and re-checks them every day. When a name you hold turns up in the news, it lands in your case queue with the evidence attached.