Indian national arrested in New York for possessing fake green card

A 34-year-old Indian citizen, Swapnil Ramesh Tejale, has been arrested and charged with possession of a forged alien resident card, the US Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York announced on Monday. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a USD 250,000 fine.

According to US Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, the arrest stems from a July 10 traffic stop by the Niagara Falls Police Department. The department requested assistance from the Niagara Falls Border Patrol Station to identify three individuals.

Assistant US Attorney Michael J Smith, who is prosecuting the case, stated that Tejale presented a Lawful Permanent Resident Card during questioning but voluntarily admitted that the card was fake. Authorities determined that Tejale was unlawfully present in the United States and lacked proper immigration documents.

Upon his arrest, agents discovered a Social Security card in Tejale’s name, which record checks later confirmed was also fraudulent.

“This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative to repel illegal immigration, dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from violent crime,” the US Attorney’s Office said in a statement.

The criminal complaint resulted from an investigation conducted by the US Border Patrol Niagara Falls Station, under the supervision of Patrol Agent in Charge Brady Waikal.

(Courtesy: www.5wh.com)