- Indian-origin man faces loss of US citizenship
- Authorities accuse him of hiding fraud activities
- Fraud case involved $2.5 million investment scheme
- US Justice Department filed denaturalization action
- Officials say citizenship was obtained unlawfully
A 62-year-old Indian-origin man in the United States is facing denaturalization proceedings after US authorities accused him of fraud and hiding important information during his citizenship process.
The man, Debashis Ghosh, became a naturalized US citizen in 2012. His last known residence was in Cook County, Illinois. According to the US Department of Justice, Ghosh entered the United States several times on non-immigrant visas starting in 1991 before becoming a citizen.
US authorities alleged that before becoming a citizen, Ghosh was involved in a conspiracy to defraud investors of USD 2.5 million. The money was reportedly collected for the construction of an aircraft maintenance facility.
Officials said Ghosh continued the fraudulent activities even after becoming a US citizen. He allegedly gave false information about the location and safety of the investor funds.
The Justice Department said that during his naturalization application and interview in 2012, Ghosh claimed he had never been arrested for a crime. Authorities now allege that this statement was false.
The complaint filed against him alleges he committed moral wrongdoing during the period when he was required to demonstrate good moral character for citizenship. It also states that he gave false testimony and intentionally hid important facts during the naturalization process.
Under US immigration law, citizenship can be cancelled if it was obtained illegally or through false information and concealment of facts.
Ghosh is one of 12 individuals against whom the US Department of Justice has filed denaturalization actions in different courts. The department said the other cases involve serious offences such as terrorism support, war crimes, and sexual abuse of minors.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said people involved in fraud, serious crimes, or support for terrorism should never have received US citizenship.
Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate said the government is continuing efforts to protect the integrity of the US naturalization system. He added that authorities will use all legal measures against people who obtained citizenship unlawfully.
