Maryland Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Visa Fraud

BALTIMORE – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provided valuable assistance to the investigation that led to the sentencing of a Maryland man for visa fraud. U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland Kelly O. Hayes announced the sentencing of Douglas Anthony Eze, 55, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, to one year and one day in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for visa fraud. Eze was also fined $20,000.

According to the guilty plea, Eze, who owns Largo Financial Services, illegally entered Canada in 1991 using a fraudulent passport. After Canada issued a deportation order in 1995, Eze fled. In 1997, he resurfaced in the U.S., using the name and other identifying information of a Canadian citizen. Eze, who knew the victim, used the citizen’s Canadian birth certificate to apply for a Permanent Resident Card, also known as a Green Card. He eventually became a U.S. citizen under the stolen Canadian identity and then changed his last name to Eze.

As a citizen under fraudulent pretenses, Eze adopted and sponsored two children for lawful permanent residence in the United States, falsely declaring the stolen Canadian identity as his own in immigration documents for the children. Eze continued using the victim’s identity to apply for a U.S. passport, driver’s license, and membership in the Global Entry Trusted Traveler Program. The victim never gave Eze permission to use his identifying information.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended Homeland Security Investigations and USCIS for their work in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colleen E. McGuinn and Reema Sood prosecuted the federal case.

Protecting the integrity of the immigration process is a priority for USCIS. To report suspected immigration benefit fraud or abuse to USCIS, please use the USCIS Tip Form.

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