Nuevo Laredo Consulate Closed : 3 Charged with Fraud Posted Feb 14, 2003 The U.S. Department of State (DOS) closed the U.S. consulate in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico on January 29, 2003 due to allegations of fraud in connection with visa issuance. As of this writing, the consulate is still closed. We spoke with Roberta Jacobson, Director, Office of Mexican Affairs at DOS, who advised that the consulate would remain closed until at least the middle of the week of February 17-21. Only the consulate in Nuevo Laredo is affected by this closing. According to Ms. Jacobson, the fraud allegations involve one American and several Mexican locals. On January 31, 2002, three employees of the consulate were charged criminally with conspiracy to commit visa fraud. The three defendants are Mexican nationals. Their arrest is the result of an investigation spanning approximately seven months. Special Agents of the DOS Diplomatic Security Service conducted the investigation. According to the complaints filed against the three men, the investigation began last year following allegations that money was being accepted for visas and border crossing cards. Allegedly, applicants were able to avoid both the interview and a case review for visa eligibility in exchange for payment. It is alleged that some of the participants have admitted their roles in the fraud. Although they always have been taken seriously, current heightened security concerns put such acts of fraud in a different light. In this post-9/11 era, we anticipate cases like this will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, not only because they pose a danger to national security but also as an example to others tempted to commit any similar acts of visa fraud. We strongly caution MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers against ever attempting to gain immigration benefits by unauthorized means. © The Law Office of Sheela Murthy, P.C.
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