Maryland man convicted of visa fraud and identity theft

BALTIMORE, MD – Oluwatoyin Aborisade of Owings Mills, Maryland, has been convicted on charges of conspiracy to commit visa fraud, visa fraud, and aggravated identity theft following a nine-day federal trial. The conviction was announced by United States Attorney Erek L. Barron, along with officials from Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, and the USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security Division.

Aborisade, also known by the aliases “Thoyinstar” and “Toyin,” operated under the guise of providing legal immigration services through his business, Phemnick Legal Center LLC, despite not being a licensed attorney nor accredited to offer such services. From December 2017 to October 2020, he engaged in deceptive practices to solicit clients, whom he then provided with inaccurate and fraudulent legal advice.

The jury found that Aborisade and his co-conspirators fabricated various documents, including psychological evaluations and lease agreements, to support their clients’ visa applications falsely. This included creating fraudulent documents to suggest residency and relationships that did not exist. One significant element of the crime involved Aborisade’s use of personal identifying information from real individuals without their knowledge or permission to bolster fraudulent visa applications.

This case highlights the stringent enforcement of U.S. immigration laws and the severe penalties for those who attempt to subvert legal processes through deceitful practices. Aborisade now faces significant legal repercussions, including potential imprisonment, for his actions.

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