Indian-American admits to immigration fraud

New York, February 22

A 70-year-old man of Indian-descent, who pretended to be a US government official, has admitted to running a multi-million-dollar immigration fraud that duped over 100 people, according to federal prosecutors. Hardev Panesar admitted to the crimes in the San Diego Federal Court on Thursday and agreed to pay back $2.5 million to the victims, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Over a five-year period, he told numerous victims that he was an official of the Department of Homeland Security and that he and his aides could get them and their families legal immigration status, according to the DOJ. Just before his trial was to begin, Panesar jumped bail and fled to Mexico last June and hid there till he was caught by Mexican authorities, who deported him to the US in August, the DOJ said.

He made the admission of guilt before Federal Judge Gonzalo P Curiel, who is to sentence him in May. He faces a maximum jail term of 20 years. — IANS