PHILADELPHIA, PA — A federal immigration officer has been charged with allegedly soliciting bribes in exchange for promises of assistance with immigration benefits, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania announced on Thursday.
Amara Dukuly, 43, of Brookhaven, Pennsylvania, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with bribery of a public official. Dukuly, an employee of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), is accused of engaging in a scheme that allegedly began in 2015 and continued to the present.
According to prosecutors, Dukuly allegedly used his position to solicit payments from individuals seeking adjustments to their immigration status, such as green cards, work authorization documents, or visas. Investigators claim that Dukuly did not have the authority to deliver on these promises despite accepting bribes and converting the funds for his personal use.
The case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Anita Eve is prosecuting the case.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about this case or other instances of government employees soliciting bribes to call 1-866-347-2423 and mention HSI Philadelphia.
Federal officials emphasize that the charges and allegations outlined in the complaint are accusations. Dukuly is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Further updates will be provided as the case develops.
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