U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced a former Armed Forces of Liberia commanding general is facing charges after allegedly trying to fraudulently attempt to secure citizenship.
According to a June 24 ICE news release, Moses Slanger Wright, 69, of Philadelphia, is facing charges that also include fraud in immigration documents, false statements in relation to naturalization and perjury. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations Philadelphia, according to the news release, which also noted U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced the indictment, which was unsealed June 24.
“HSI is committed to upholding the law, both within the United States and abroad. Moses Wright, the former commanding general for the Armed Forces of Liberia, is alleged to have misrepresented his participation in the First Liberian Civil War when he came to the United States, hiding his leadership of forces that committed extrajudicial killings of enemy combatants and the assault and murder of civilians,” William Walker, special agent in charge, HSI Philadelphia, said in the ICE news release. “HSI continues steadfastly in our commitment to ensure the United States will never be a safe haven for those who seek to flee from atrocities they commit abroad."
The ICE news release also noted the indictment alleges Wright either committed or personally ordered Liberian troops under his command to commit the atrocities. Wright’s actions included the alleged assault and persecution and murder of Gio and Mano tribesmen who were not involved in any military operations. The release also noted he allegedly approved the false arrest and imprisonment of civilians.
