25 Months in Prison for Leading an International Conspiracy
A Complex Web of Fraud and Deception
In a significant crackdown on visa fraud and immigrant smuggling, Stella Boyadjian, a 53-year-old resident of Rego Park, Queens, has been sentenced to 25 months in prison. The sentencing took place in Brooklyn’s federal court, where United States Chief District Judge Margo K. Brodie delivered the judgment. Boyadjian’s guilty plea in March 2019 brought to light a multi-year conspiracy involving visa fraud, identity theft, and the smuggling of Armenian citizens into the United States for profit.
The Operation Unveiled
Boyadjian spearheaded a transnational network that exploited the P-3 “Culturally Unique Artist” visa classification. This visa allows foreign nationals to enter the United States temporarily to perform or teach as artists or entertainers in a culturally unique program.
Furthermore, Boyadjian’s operation involved falsely claiming that Armenian applicants were members of performance groups eligible for these visas. Additionally, she charged them between $3,000 and $15,000 for inclusion in fraudulent petitions.
Exploiting Cultural Heritage for Profit
Operating under the guise of the Big Apple Music Awards (BAMA) Foundation, Boyadjian utilized her connections within the music industry in both the United States and Armenia to perpetuate her scheme. With meticulous planning, she and her co-conspirators staged photo sessions with the Armenian applicants wearing traditional folk costumes to fabricate evidence of their cultural uniqueness.
These forged documents and staged photos were then presented to U.S. consular officers during visa interviews, following intensive coaching on how to respond to questions from USCIS visa adjudicators.
The Fallout and Investigation
The scheme not only misled USCIS but also exploited the cultural heritage of Armenia for personal gain. Furthermore, the investigation, led by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), with support from the USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security Center, unveiled the depth of Boyadjian’s operation. This case underscores the vigilance of federal agencies in detecting and prosecuting those who exploit the immigration system.
A Wider Impact on Immigration Policy
Boyadjian’s sentencing sends a strong message about the consequences of manipulating the United States’ immigration system. Additionally, it highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing the facilitation of legitimate cultural exchange with the need to protect against fraud.
The case also raises questions about the effectiveness of current vetting processes and the potential for similar schemes to exploit weaknesses in the system.
A Lesson in Integrity
Stella Boyadjian’s case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of integrity within the immigration process. Moreover, as the United States continues to welcome individuals from around the world, maintaining the integrity of its visa programs is paramount.
This sentencing reinforces the commitment of the United States to uphold the law and ensure that those seeking to enter the country do so with honesty and respect for its legal frameworks.
Sources: THX News & U.S. Attorney’s Office.
