The United States (US) is investigating another visa racket, which allegedly involves a Consular Officer.
In a statement issued by the United States Embassy in Georgetown, it was noted that, “The Department of State is aware of allegations of improprieties relating to a Consular Officer formerly assigned to Georgetown, Guyana.”
The statement did not provide any details of the allegation or the investigations, but explained that the claims against the officer were being taken seriously and anyone found culpable would be penalised.
“The Department takes all allegations of misconduct by employees seriously. We are reviewing the matter thoroughly. If the allegations are substantiated, we will work with the relevant authorities to hold anyone involved accountable,” the State Department added.
This is the second US Consular Officer to be embroiled in such acts. The first was in March 2000 when then Consular Officer Thomas Carroll was arrested for selling at least 800 visas for entry into the US between US$10,000 and US$15,000 each.
He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States Government, issuing false visa documents and bribing an official and was sentenced to 21 years imprisonment by a Federal Court in Chicago, Illinois. The sentence was later reduced after he appealed.
