USCIS Fraud Probe in L.A. Leads to Arrest of Criminal Alien

Alien impersonated a medical professional and created fake immigration documents

LOS ANGELES - The vigilant fraud detection efforts of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services directly resulted in the arrest of Young Joo Ko, 59, of East Hollywood. Ko, a lawful permanent resident from South Korea, was charged in Los Angeles with fraud and misuse of visas, permits and other documents. The U.S. attorney's office announced the arrest as part of a larger health care fraud takedown.

According to court documents, Ko engaged in a medical fraud scheme exploiting the Green Card application process by creating fraudulent immigration documents. Green Card applicants must have a medical exam from a civil surgeon designated by USCIS. Ko presented herself as a nurse or doctor and, for a fee, fraudulently prepared forms indicating Green Card applicants fulfilled their medical examination requirements. However, the applicants did not actually receive the legally required medical examination.

If convicted, Ko would face a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.

To report suspected immigration benefit fraud or abuse to USCIS, please use the USCIS Tip Form.

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