Who is Debashis Ghosh? US revokes citizenship of an Indian-origin man over a USD 2.5 million fraud case

The Indian national has been identified as Debashis Ghosh, 62.

Allegations of Multi-Million Dollar Investor Fraud

According to the department, Ghosh is accused of conspiring to defraud investors of $2.5 million intended for the construction of an aircraft maintenance facility.

“After naturalising, Ghosh, a native of India, continued the fraudulent scheme, misrepresenting the location and safekeeping of the investor funding,” the department said in a statement.

Alleged False Statements During Citizenship Process

However, in his 2012 naturalisation application and interview, Ghosh allegedly claimed that he had never committed a crime or offence for which he had not been arrested.

“The denaturalisation complaint against Ghosh alleges that he is subject to denaturalisation because during the period in which he was statutorily required to demonstrate good moral character, he committed a crime involving moral turpitude, committed unlawful acts that adversely reflected on his moral character, and falsely testified about his crime,” the statement said.

The complaint further alleges that Ghosh willfully misrepresented material facts related to his alleged criminal conduct during the naturalisation proceedings.

What the Law Says

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, a naturalised US citizen’s citizenship may be revoked and their certificate of naturalisation cancelled if the citizenship was illegally procured or obtained through concealment of material facts or willful misrepresentation.

DOJ Vows Tough Action

“Individuals implicated in committing fraud, heinous crimes such as sexual abuse, or expressing support for terrorism should never have been naturalised as United States citizens,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.

“The Trump administration is taking action to correct these egregious violations of our immigration system. Those who intentionally concealed their criminal histories or misrepresented themselves during the naturalisation process will face the fullest extent of the law,” Blanche added.

Record Pace of Denaturalisation Cases

Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division said the department continues to file denaturalisation actions at record speed to restore integrity to the naturalisation process.

“The disturbing criminal histories confirm these individuals should never have received the privilege of US citizenship. We remain committed to leveraging every tool available under the law to pursue those who unlawfully obtained their citizenship,” Shumate said.