BREAKING: A former Connecticut resident has just pleaded guilty to falsely claiming she had not committed war crimes to secure U.S. citizenship. Nada Radovan Tomanic, 53, from West Virginia and formerly of Hartford, entered her plea on Monday in federal court in Bridgeport, as confirmed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.
This urgent case raises serious concerns about immigration integrity, especially as Tomanic faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for February 3. Federal authorities revealed that Tomanic served in the notorious Zulfikar Special Unit of the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the 1990s, where she was involved in the “physical and psychological abuse” of Bosnian Serb civilian prisoners.
In her application for naturalization in 2012, Tomanic denied any involvement in detention facilities or related crimes. Official statements indicate she also lied under oath during an interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer, denying serious past criminal conduct.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti condemned Tomanic’s actions, stating, “The defendant obtained the privileges of U.S. citizenship through lies and deceit, concealing the violent crimes she committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina.” This plea highlights the ongoing commitment of the Department of Justice to uphold the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.
U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan emphasized the egregious nature of her offenses, saying, “Covering up past human rights abuses to attain U.S. citizenship is an egregious offense.” The case illustrates the dangers posed by individuals who exploit immigration processes to gain access to the U.S., undermining the system for those who apply honestly.
Special Agent in Charge P.J. O’Brien of the FBI echoed these sentiments, stressing that Tomanic’s admissions of fraud are particularly disturbing given her history of targeting individuals based on ethnicity and religion. O’Brien noted that the FBI, in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security’s Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center, will continue to investigate similar cases to protect the sanctity of the immigration process.
As the legal proceedings advance, this case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of honesty in immigration applications and the potential consequences of deceit. The investigation underscores the responsibility of both law enforcement and immigration officials to ensure justice and safety within U.S. borders.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops, and share your thoughts on this pressing issue.
