DHAKA: Police arrested five visa applicants for presenting fraudulent documents to a US Consular Officer while interviewing for a US visa.

Through a coordinated effort between the US Embassy and local law enforcement, local police arrested the five applicants.  

They admitted using the services of a broker who allegedly instructed them to lie about their purpose of travel and manufactured fraudulent documents to aid in the deception.  

The US Embassy has seen a recent increase in applicants using the services of unscrupulous brokers who provide their clients with fraudulent documents.

Applicants may apply directly for a visa and are not required to apply through a broker. The use of fraudulent documents from a dishonest broker may result not only in a visa refusal, but may also lead to an applicant’s arrest.

The US Embassy is serious about combating visa fraud and is cooperating with Bangladeshi law enforcement to prosecute brokers and their clients who commit fraud.

While the Department of State makes every effort to facilitate legitimate travel by international visitors, we are also fully committed to administering United States immigration law and ensuring the security of our country’s borders.

Violators of the law may be subject to a permanent ban from entry into the United States.

The Embassy’s website contains all of the information necessary to apply for a visa. For more information, please visit the Embassy’s website at http://dhaka.usembassy.gov/non-immigrant_visas.html

BDST: 1614 HRS, APR 06, 2014