UPDATE: A former Connecticut resident, Nada Radovan Tomanic, has pleaded guilty to deceiving U.S. authorities about her involvement in war crimes to secure her American citizenship. Tomanic, 53, now residing in West Virginia, entered her plea on February 3, 2024, during a federal court session in Bridgeport, as confirmed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.
This urgent development highlights significant breaches in the immigration process, as Tomanic’s fraudulent actions could lead to a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Federal officials revealed that Tomanic served in the notorious Zulfikar Special Unit of the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the 1990s, where she participated in the “physical and psychological abuse” of Bosnian Serb civilian prisoners.
When applying for naturalization in 2012, Tomanic falsely denied her service in a detention facility and misrepresented her criminal history, including allegations of inflicting serious bodily harm. During an interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer, she continued to lie under oath regarding her past actions.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti stated, “The defendant obtained the privileges of U.S. citizenship through lies and deceit, concealing the violent crimes she committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina.” This case raises pressing concerns about the integrity of U.S. immigration systems, as officials emphasize the necessity of accountability for individuals who exploit these systems.
U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan remarked, “Covering up past human rights abuses to attain U.S. citizenship is an egregious offense.” He acknowledged the collaborative efforts of law enforcement in both the U.S. and Bosnia and Herzegovina to bring Tomanic to justice.
Special Agent in Charge P.J. O’Brien from the FBI emphasized the importance of honest applications for citizenship, warning that Tomanic’s actions undermine the naturalization process for those who apply lawfully. The FBI, alongside the Department of Homeland Security’s Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center, continues to investigate similar cases to preserve the integrity of U.S. immigration.
As Tomanic awaits sentencing, this case serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing challenges in addressing immigration fraud linked to international human rights abuses. Authorities urge vigilance in ensuring that those who pose a threat to public safety are held accountable.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as it continues to unfold with implications for immigration policy and human rights enforcement.
