Former CT Resident Pleads Guilty to Lying for U.S. Citizenship

UPDATE: A former Connecticut resident has just pleaded guilty to lying about committing war crimes in order to obtain U.S. citizenship. Nada Radovan Tomanic, 53, formerly of Hartford and now residing in West Virginia, entered her plea in federal court in Bridgeport on Monday, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.

This urgent case has raised significant concerns about the integrity of the U.S. immigration system. Tomanic, a naturalized citizen from Bosnia and Herzegovina, admitted to one count of procuring citizenship contrary to law. She is scheduled for sentencing on February 3, 2024, and could face up to 10 years in prison.

Authorities revealed that Tomanic served with the Zulfikar Special Unit of the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the 1990s, a period marked by severe conflict. Federal officials allege she participated in the “physical and psychological abuse” of Bosnian Serb civilian prisoners.

When applying for naturalization in 2012, Tomanic denied any involvement in detention facilities or any actions involving the detention of others. She also falsely claimed she had not committed a crime, specifically denying inflicting serious bodily harm as per the Criminal Law of the Socialist Republic of Yugoslavia.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti emphasized the seriousness of Tomanic’s actions:

“The defendant obtained the privileges of U.S. citizenship through lies and deceit, concealing the violent crimes she committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

During her interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer, Tomanic continued to lie under oath about her military service and past criminal conduct, further undermining the citizenship process.

U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan remarked,

“Covering up past human rights abuses to attain U.S. citizenship is an egregious offense.”

He thanked law enforcement partners in both the U.S. and Bosnia and Herzegovina for their diligent investigation, ensuring justice is served.

Special Agent in Charge P.J. O’Brien of the FBI added,

“Individuals who lie on their naturalization documents undermine the process for all who justly apply to be a part of our great nation.”

He highlighted Tomanic’s admissions as particularly egregious given her history of targeting individuals based on ethnicity and religion.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining the integrity of the U.S. immigration system. Federal authorities, including the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security’s Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center, are committed to investigating such crimes to protect the sanctity of the immigration process.

As this case unfolds, all eyes will be on the upcoming sentencing, which could set a precedent for future immigration fraud cases. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.