Bronx Lawyer Sentenced for Massive Immigration Fraud

News Summary

Kofi Anankwaa, a Bronx immigration attorney, has been sentenced to 70 months in prison after orchestrating a multi-million dollar immigration fraud scheme. Exploiting vulnerable immigrants, he charged exorbitant fees for false legal services, leading to disastrous outcomes and legal jeopardy for thousands. His fraudulent practices included deceptive claims under the Violence Against Women Act, ultimately resulting in extensive legal and financial repercussions for both him and his victims.

Bronx Immigration Attorney Sentenced to 70 Months for Massive Immigration Fraud Scheme

In a stunning case that has rocked the immigrant community, former Bronx immigration attorney Kofi Anankwaa has been sentenced to 70 months in prison for orchestrating a multi-million dollar immigration fraud scheme that exploited vulnerable individuals seeking legal status in the United States. The conviction comes on the heels of an investigation by an I-Team that uncovered Anankwaa’s fraudulent actions, which have left thousands exposed to legal jeopardy.

Fraudulent Practices Unveiled

From 2017 to 2023, Anankwaa took advantage of immigrants by charging them between $3,000 and $6,000 for services that promised legal status but instead led to disastrous outcomes. His clients, seeking safety and a better life, were unaware that their cases were built on lies. Anankwaa falsely claimed that his clients were victims of abuse by their children to manipulate the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provisions, allowing him to submit fraudulent VAWA petitions. Alarmingly, these fraudulent filings accounted for an astounding 47% of all VAWA petitions nationwide.

Victims of Anankwaa’s scheme faced severe consequences, including deportations. One notable example is Ricardo Velazquez Sr., a victim who found himself deported to Mexico after returning from a family visit, unaware that his immigration application was doomed due to Anankwaa’s deceitful practices.

A Cascade of Legal Consequences

As part of his plea agreement, Anankwaa pleaded guilty to fraud in September 2024, admitting to the extensive manipulation of both his clients and the legal system. Following this guilty plea, he was ordered to forfeit over $13 million and pay $16 million in restitution to his victims, the exact recipients of which have not yet been specified. In addition, Anankwaa was also sentenced to three years of supervised release following his prison term.

Not only did Anankwaa face criminal charges, but Attorney General Letitia James also filed a civil lawsuit against him and related individuals within his practice, further highlighting the systematic issues surrounding his fraudulent operations. Staff members in Anankwaa’s office were also implicated, as they falsely presented themselves as attorneys without the necessary credentials, further complicating the victimization of countless individuals.

A Troubling Record of False Filings

From his office in the Bronx, Anankwaa maintained a facade of legitimacy, but the numbers tell a different story. Between 2017 and 2023, a staggering 97% of the VAWA petitions filed by Anankwaa were either withdrawn, abandoned, or outright denied due to the fraudulent claims. His clients were misled into believing that traveling outside the U.S. to obtain passport stamps would expedite their applications, a claim that was utterly unfounded and misleading.

In light of numerous client complaints regarding Anankwaa’s conduct, his law license was suspended in November 2023, and he was subsequently disbarred in August 2024. His professional downfall was swift and severe, a consequence of the extensive damage his actions inflicted on the lives of many.

A Community in Turmoil

The fallout from Anankwaa’s fraudulent practices has left many families in turmoil. Ricardo Velasquez Jr. expressed the depth of impact Anankwaa’s actions had on his family, noting that the attorney “destroyed so many American dreams.” The devastation extends beyond just financial loss; it encompasses shattered hopes, disrupted lives, and a pervasive sense of betrayal within the immigrant community.

As Kofi Anankwaa serves his prison sentence, the repercussions of his actions will be felt for years to come. The case serves as a harsh reminder of the risks involved in seeking legal assistance and the importance of vetting professionals in the complex landscape of immigration law.