A 33-year-old Kenyan woman has been convicted in the United States after she attempted to enter the country using her sister’s passport and visa.
She was arrested on February 21 at Washington Dulles International Airport after arriving from Accra, Ghana. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers discovered she was impersonating her sister and found additional documents in her possession, including a birth certificate, credit cards, and tax form all belonging to her sibling.
The woman had intended to acquire a non-immigrant visa, typically granted to visitors traveling for business or tourism.
Her case was prosecuted in the Eastern District of Virginia, where she was found guilty.
“We appreciate the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in pursuing this conviction,” said Christine Waugh, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer. “We hope that it sends a strong message that CBP remains committed to intercepting those attempting to immigrate illegally to the United States.”
Waugh added, “CBP will continue working with federal law enforcement partners to hold those who violate America’s immigration laws accountable.”
The conviction comes just two days before another Kenyan woman, 43, was arrested in India for attempting to smuggle cocaine valued at Ksh271 million into the country.
She was intercepted on April 2 at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport after arriving from Nairobi via Doha. Authorities discovered 1,789 grammes of cocaine hidden in her luggage.
These incidents highlight a growing concern over the rising number of Kenyans facing legal trouble abroad for immigration fraud and drug trafficking.
