Dilbar Gul Dilbar, also known as Dilbar Gul Taj Ali Khan, an Afghan citizen, faces charges after being accused of visa fraud. U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced the arrest in Buffalo, New York. The charge, presented by criminal complaint, can lead to a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, assigned to the case, explained that Dilbar submitted applications for a Special Immigrant Visa to the U.S. Department of State in 2016 and 2021. These visas are specifically allocated for Afghan nationals who have aided the U.S. military. According to the complaint, Dilbar’s applications contained fabricated documents, including a counterfeit U.S. Embassy Kabul Chief of Mission approval, a fake employment letter, and a deceptive Letter of Recommendation. His fraudulent application gained approval on March 20, 2024, leading to his admission to the United States on April 4, 2024, where he currently resides in the Western District of New York. That same day, Dilbar applied for a Legal Permanent Resident card, or green card, which was issued on July 22, 2024.
An initial application submitted by Dilbar in July 2016 for the U.S. Embassy Kabul Chief of Mission approval was denied. Despite the denial, Dilbar persisted and submitted a counterfeit approval letter in November 2017. In 2021, he reapplied for the Special Immigrant Visa with a purported employment letter from a U.S.-based firm, which was found to be part of a fraudulent document scheme. The investigation revealed this company issued fraudulent employment verification letters for a fee. Dilbar also provided a second fraudulent Letter of Recommendation from an individual involved in an “advance-fee” scam that deals in fake immigration documents. Consequently, Dilbar was allowed a Special Immigrant Visa, entry to the U.S., and a green card.
Dilbar appeared initially before U.S. Magistrate Judge Colleen D. Holland and awaits a detention hearing on May 9, 2025.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, led by Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, conducted the investigation. It is important to note that charges are accusations, and defendants maintain a presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
