Bronx Lawyer Confession Unveils Shocking $16M Immigration Scheme

Hand concealing cash under a folder on a desk.

A Bronx attorney’s fraudulent claims using the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) have led to his admission of guilt and severe consequences.

At a Glance

  • Bronx lawyer Kofi Amankwaa pled guilty to large-scale immigration fraud.
  • Amankwaa exploited VAWA to falsely represent clients as domestic abuse victims.
  • He faces over ten years in prison and $16 million in restitution.
  • Amankwaa charged clients between $3,000 and $6,000 for fraudulent services.
  • The scheme operated from 2016 through 2023 and saw thousands of fraudulent filings.

Overview of the Case

Kofi Amankwaa, a 70-year-old lawyer based in the Bronx, recently admitted guilt in a significant immigration fraud scheme that manipulated the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). For fees ranging from $3,000 to $6,000, Amankwaa filed thousands of fraudulent immigration documents on behalf of clients, falsely representing them as victims of domestic abuse. This exploitative activity has drawn the condemnation of federal prosecutors for taking advantage of vulnerable individuals and disrupting the immigration process.

Amankwaa supervised the multi-year fraud operation from September 2016 to November 2023. His scheme involved filing fraudulent Form I-360 VAWA Petitions to obtain advance parole travel documents for clients. These documents allowed clients to travel abroad and return to the United States to apply for lawful permanent resident status. Most of these applications were eventually denied, highlighting the scale and inefficiency of the fraudulent operation.

Legal and Financial Consequences

Amankwaa agreed to forfeit $13,389,000 and pay $16,503,425 in restitution as part of his guilty plea to one count of immigration fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of ten years in prison. His law license was suspended in November 2023, and he was eventually disbarred in August 2024. His actions have reportedly cost the U.S. immigration system millions and tarnished the trust placed in legal professionals.

“For years, Kofi Amankwaa oversaw a massive immigration fraud scheme, filing thousands of immigration documents falsely alleging that his clients were victims of abuse by their children or other family members. Amankwaa’s actions undermined our U.S. immigration system, exploited VAWA — a law that allows noncitizen victims of domestic abuse a path to lawful permanent residence status — and victimized vulnerable clients in the process. Today’s guilty plea highlights this Office’s dedication to holding accountable those who abuse the trust placed in them as attorneys and fraudulently use our immigration system as a tool for their own financial gain.” – U.S. Attorney Damian Williams

Victims of VAWA fraud by Amankwaa are encouraged to contact [email protected]. Investigations are still ongoing, with the state attorney general examining Amankwaa’s staff. Additionally, Amankwaa’s son, Kofi Amankwaa Jr., faces a pending federal case on similar charges.

Broader Implications and Administrative Reforms

Damian Williams, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, asserted that Amankwaa’s scheme severely undermined the U.S. immigration system. HSI Newark acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the violation of trust and the nation’s laws. The case sheds light on systemic vulnerabilities and the need for robust checks and balances within immigration procedures.

“Kofi Amankwaa’s victimization of clients during their immigration process is a serious violation of trust and our nation’s laws,” said HSI Newark acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas. “Thanks to our partnership with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the support of the New York State Attorney General’s Office, justice was served in this case. HSI will remain committed to protecting victims of fraud and abuse.” – HSI Newark acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas

This case coincides with the Biden-Harris administration’s decision to reinstate a previously paused immigration program that was found to be highly susceptible to fraud. An internal DHS report indicated that the CHNV parole program encountered significant fraudulent activities, with sponsors listing fake Social Security numbers, home addresses, or phone numbers. Enhanced scrutiny and robust reforms in the immigration system seem more crucial than ever.

Sources:

  1. Bronx Former Attorney Pleads Guilty To Large-Scale Immigration Fraud
  2. NYC lawyer admits he gamed immigration system in plea that could force him to pay $16M in restitution
  3. HSI Newark Investigation Leads to Former Bronx Attorney’s Guilty Plea in Large-Scale Immigration Fraud Scheme
  4. New York Lawyer Pleads Guilty to Immigration Fraud Scheme, Faces 10 Years in Prison
  5. Bronx Attorney Charged With Large-Scale Immigration Fraud Scheme
  6. Lawyer and Son Ensnared Hundreds of Immigrants in Fraud Scheme, U.S. Says

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