By In a stunning turn of events, former Bronx-based immigration attorney Kofi Amankwaa has been sentenced to 70 months in prison for orchestrating an elaborate immigration fraud scheme that exploited the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Matthew Podolsky, announced the sentencing, bringing a dramatic conclusion to a multi-year deception that preyed on vulnerable clients and undermined the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.
A Web of Deception
From 2016 to 2023, Amankwaa, once trusted by many seeking legal status in the U.S., systematically filed fraudulent immigration petitions. These petitions falsely claimed that his clients were victims of abuse by their U.S. citizen children or family members. Shockingly, many of these individuals were unaware that such claims had even been made on their behalf. Amankwaa, acting as the attorney preparer, submitted these documents under penalty of perjury, knowingly defrauding both his clients and the U.S. government.
The fraudulent applications served as a basis for Amankwaa to obtain advance parole travel documents for his clients, allowing them to travel internationally and re-enter the U.S. under false pretenses. This deception was ultimately meant to secure lawful permanent resident status for his clients—a goal he often failed to achieve as immigration authorities caught on to the fraudulent claims.
The Price of Fraud
While his clients faced immigration complications and legal uncertainties, Amankwaa enriched himself by charging between $3,000 and $6,000 per application, in addition to administrative fees. Over time, his scheme generated millions, but the legal repercussions have now stripped him of both his wealth and freedom.
The walls began closing in on Amankwaa in late 2023, when numerous complaints surfaced regarding the false allegations of abuse included in clients’ petitions. The fallout led to his suspension from practicing law in New York, followed by full disbarment in August 2024.
A Heavy Sentence and Restitution for Victims
Now 70 years old, Amankwaa’s fate is sealed with a sentence of nearly six years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In addition, he has been ordered to forfeit $13,389,000 and pay an astounding $16,503,425 in restitution to the victims of his fraudulent scheme.
For those who suspect they or their loved ones have been impacted by Amankwaa’s VAWA fraud, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has provided a dedicated contact: [email protected].
Justice Served
The case was brought to light through the diligent work of the Newark Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Office of Fraud Detection and National Security. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Z. Margulies, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Samantha Roberts, led the prosecution to ensure that Amankwaa was held accountable.
As the legal dust settles, this case stands as a stark warning against those who seek to manipulate the immigration system for personal gain. While justice has been served, the repercussions of Amankwaa’s actions will continue to affect his victims for years to come.
