The Department of Justice has charged 11 individuals for orchestrating over 1,000 fraudulent marriages to manipulate the visa system. Authorities have intensified efforts to dismantle various illegal immigration operations, including birth tourism centers in Texas that offer instant American citizenship to newborns of Chinese nationals.
In addition to these charges, a former senior U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) official, Lukman Owolabi Ganiyu, and his accomplice, Adeniyi Akeem Somoye, face accusations of participating in a bribery scheme. The duo allegedly received nearly $960,000 in exchange for expediting immigration applications, including citizenship processes.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas reported that between December 2019 and March 2026, Ganiyu and Somoye bypassed standard procedures for applicants who paid bribes. This included skipping criminal background checks, interviews, and other essential reviews necessary in the immigration process.
Prosecutors claim that Ganiyu manipulated the USCIS system to fast-track citizenship applications in return for financial payments.
Ganiyu allegedly approved residence applications for Somoye’s family members. Furthermore, he reportedly rerouted applications from USCIS offices in Minneapolis, Charlotte, and Houston to review and approve independently.
Financial records indicate Ganiyu received $671,438 through Zelle and Cash App, along with additional cash deposits totaling $287,830, purportedly to mask the origins of these funds.
Acting as the financial intermediary, Somoye allegedly handled around $1.7 million in transactions linked to applicants, retaining part of these payments. Court documents show he deposited $449,010 in cash.
Most applications processed by Ganiyu and Somoye involved applicants from African nations. They have been charged with conspiracy to receive illegal gratuities by a public official. Both defendants face up to five years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
Following his alleged schemes, Ganiyu resigned from his USCIS position in March, citing “personal reasons” prior to his arrest.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould emphasized, “Selling immigration benefits for cash is a blatant abuse of public trust. When a federal official puts a price tag on lawful status, we will intervene immediately.” Both defendants are set to face legal consequences.