Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09NOUAKCHOTT699
2009-10-29 14:15:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Nouakchott
Cable title:  

INVESTIGATION INTO A2 VISA FRAUD IN MAURITANIA

Tags:  KFRD CVIS CPAS CMGT MR 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0011
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHNK #0699 3021415
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 291415Z OCT 09
FM AMEMBASSY NOUAKCHOTT
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 8861
INFO RUCNMGH/MAGHREB COLLECTIVE
RUEHDK/AMEMBASSY DAKAR 7246
RUEHFT/AMCONSUL FRANKFURT 1554
UNCLAS NOUAKCHOTT 000699 

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR CA/FPP
FRANKFURT FOR RCO

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KFRD CVIS CPAS CMGT MR
SUBJECT: INVESTIGATION INTO A2 VISA FRAUD IN MAURITANIA

UNCLAS NOUAKCHOTT 000699

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR CA/FPP
FRANKFURT FOR RCO

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KFRD CVIS CPAS CMGT MR
SUBJECT: INVESTIGATION INTO A2 VISA FRAUD IN MAURITANIA


1. (SBU) Summary. On October 20, 2009 airport security in
Dakar, Senegal discovered a Mauritanian citizen with an A2
visa who admitted that he was not an official diplomat and
had obtained his visa through fraudulent means in Mauritania.
Immediately following this incident, Post's consular officer
conducted a review of all A2 and G2 visas issued in the
previous 12 months in Mauritania. Using the DHS ADIS system,
Post notes that 13 of the short term, TDY A2 visa recipients
issued in Nouakchott apparantly did not leave the United
States after their scheduled visits. Ambassador has requested
a meeting with the Mauritanian FM to discuss these cases and
new visa application policies for A2 and G2 visa requests.
End Summary.


2. (SBU) On October 20, 2009 a Mauritanian citizen with an A2
visa for a TDY assignment at the Mauritanian Embassy in
Washington, DC was stopped by Delta airline security trying
to board a flight to Washington, DC because his stated
purpose of travel did not match his visa classification.
After questioning, he admitted that he was not a diplomat and
he claimed that he paid USD 7,600 to be presented to the
Embassy as a official traveller. A review of consular records
in Nouakchott indicates that the individual's visa was
requested via a diplomatic note from the Mauritanian Ministry
of Foreign Affairs. The diplomatic note appears to be
authentic. Immediately following the incident, this
individual's visa was revoked and Post's consular officer
conducted a review of all A2 and G2 visas issued in the
previous 12 months. Using the DHS ADIS system, Post notes
that 13 of the short term, TDY A2 visa recipients aren't
documented as having left the United States after their
scheduled visits.


3. (SBU) Ambassador has requested a meeting with the
Mauritanian FM to discuss these cases and new visa
application policies for A2 and G2 visa requests. Effective
immediately, all A2 and G2 visa applicants who have not
previously been granted A2 or G2 visas must make a personal
appearance at the American Embassy. Exemptions from the
personal appearance requirement will be granted to the
following senior officials: President and Counselors of the
Presidency, Prime Minister and Counselors of the Prime
Minister, Parliamentarians, Ministers, Secretaries General of
Ministries, Walis (governors),Mayors, Career Diplomats of
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Military, Police or
Security Officers of the rank of Major and above.


4. (U) Following the Ambassador's meeting with the Foreign
Minister, if it is determined that the diplomatic notes in
question were issued for non-qualified individuals, the
Embassy will forward the biographic data of all individuals
suspected of entering the United States under false pretenses.
BOULWARE