URGENT UPDATE: A former Connecticut resident has just pleaded guilty to lying about war crimes to obtain U.S. citizenship. Nada Radovan Tomanic, 53, formerly of Hartford and now residing in West Virginia, entered a plea deal in federal court in Bridgeport on Monday, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.
This shocking revelation raises serious concerns about the integrity of the U.S. naturalization process. Tomanic, a naturalized citizen from Bosnia and Herzegovina, faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and is scheduled for sentencing on February 3. Federal officials reported that she served in the notorious Zulfikar Special Unit during the 1990s armed conflict, where she participated in the “physical and psychological abuse” of Bosnian Serb civilian prisoners.
In her 2012 naturalization application, Tomanic falsely claimed she had not served in any detention facility or been involved in any criminal activities. During an official interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer, she again denied any wrongdoing while under oath, misleading authorities about her past.
“The defendant obtained the privileges of U.S. citizenship through lies and deceit,” stated Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti. He emphasized the Justice Department’s commitment to holding accountable those who exploit the immigration system and pose threats to public safety.
This case underscores the severe implications of dishonesty in the naturalization process. U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan remarked,
“Covering up past human rights abuses to attain U.S. citizenship is an egregious offense.”
He credited law enforcement partners in both the U.S. and Bosnia and Herzegovina for their roles in the investigation, highlighting the importance of safeguarding justice.
FBI Special Agent in Charge P.J. O’Brien added,
“Individuals who lie on their naturalization documents undermine the process for all who justly apply to be a part of our great nation.”
Tomanic’s admissions of fraud are particularly alarming given her history of targeting individuals based on ethnicity and religion.
As this case develops, it serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing efforts by authorities to maintain the integrity of the immigration process. The FBI, along with the Department of Homeland Security, remains vigilant in investigating such crimes to protect the sanctity of citizenship for deserving applicants.
The urgency surrounding this situation is palpable, as it not only affects the individuals involved but also impacts the broader community’s trust in the immigration system. As the sentencing date approaches, many are left wondering about the implications this case may have for future naturalization applicants.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
