Armenian Woman Sentenced for Identity Theft and Visa Fraud Conspiracy Involving False P-3 Visas
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the sentencing of Stella Boyadjian for her role in a multi-year visa fraud, identity theft, and immigrant smuggling scheme.
Stella Boyadjian Sentenced for Visa Fraud and Identity Theft
The DOJ announced the sentencing of Stella Boyadjian, a New York resident, to two years and one month in prison. The charges against Boyadjian included:
- Visa fraud
- Conspiracy to defraud the United States
- Illegally bringing aliens into the United States
- Money laundering crimes
- Aggravated identity theft
Fraudulent P-3 Visas Obtained for Armenian Citizens
Boyadjian and her associates brought Armenian citizens to the United States using fraudulently obtained P-3 visas. These visas permit foreign nationals to enter the United States temporarily for performing, teaching, or coaching as artists or entertainers under a culturally unique program.
Deception Facilitated by Counterfeit Certificates and Staged Photo Sessions
To facilitate the deception, Boyadjian and her associates in Armenia obtained counterfeit performer certificates and orchestrated staged photo sessions featuring people wearing Armenian folk costumes. These individuals were instructed on how to respond to questions from the USCIS during visa interviews.
Charges and Financial Gain
Boyadjian charged Armenian citizens between $3,000 and $15,000 for these fraudulent visas. The DOJ did not disclose further details regarding the individuals who were smuggled into the United States or the financial gain accrued from the conspiracy.
Collaborative Investigation and Prosecution
The investigation and prosecution of the case were carried out in collaboration between the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Boyadjian, Hrachya Atoyan of Glendale, California, and Diana Grigoryan were charged in a 15-count indictment in February 2018.