Indian-American man faces denaturalisation proceedings in US over alleged investor fraud

A 62-year-old Indian-American man is facing denaturalisation proceedings in the United States after authorities alleged that he concealed his involvement in a $2.5 million investor fraud scheme while applying for American citizenship.

According to the United States Department of Justice, Debashis Ghosh, whose last known residence was in Cook County, Illinois, entered the US on multiple non-immigrant visas beginning in 1991 and became a naturalised US citizen in 2012.

The Justice Department said Ghosh is among 12 individuals against whom denaturalisation proceedings have been initiated in various US district courts. The cases involve allegations ranging from fraud and war crimes to support for terrorist organisations and sexual abuse of minors.

Federal authorities alleged that before obtaining US citizenship, Ghosh conspired to defraud investors of $2.5 million intended for the construction of an aircraft maintenance facility.

The department further alleged that Ghosh continued the fraudulent scheme after becoming a US citizen by misrepresenting the location and safekeeping of investor funds.

According to the complaint, Ghosh stated during his 2012 naturalisation application and interview that he had never committed a crime for which he had been arrested.

Authorities alleged that during the statutory period in which he was required to demonstrate good moral character for citizenship eligibility, Ghosh committed crimes involving moral turpitude, engaged in unlawful acts adversely reflecting on his moral character and provided false testimony regarding the offences.

The complaint also alleged that he wilfully concealed and misrepresented material facts relating to the alleged fraud during the naturalisation process.

Under the US Immigration and Nationality Act, citizenship granted through concealment of material facts or wilful misrepresentation may be revoked.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche reportedly said individuals accused of fraud, serious crimes or support for terrorism “should never have been naturalised as United States citizens”.

Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate said the department continued to pursue denaturalisation cases “at record speeds” to protect the integrity of the citizenship process.

“The disturbing criminal histories confirm these individuals should have never received the privilege of US citizenship. We remain committed to leveraging every tool available under the law to pursue those who obtain their US citizenship unlawfully,” Shumate said.