Buffalo Interpreter Bao Accused of Driver’s Test Fraud

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Emmanuel R. Bao, a 50-year-old interpreter from Buffalo, has been charged with mail fraud, according to Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. The charge could see Bao spending up to 20 years in prison and facing a $250,000 fine.

Brian J. Counihan, the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney handling the case, revealed that Bao, who claims to be fluent in French and Swahili, interpreted the NY State Department of Motor Vehicles’ driver permit test for out-of-state individuals, predominantly refugees from Massachusetts.

But instead of interpreting, Counihan alleged that Bao orchestrated a fraudulent scheme. He reportedly provided answers to the written test questions, listing his own address on the applications and having permits sent to him. The permits were then forwarded to the applicants’ addresses. This scam took advantage of Massachusetts’ DMV reciprocity with New York.

Bao’s initial appearance was before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer, where he was released. The investigation leading to this charge was a joint effort by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, and the NY State Department of Motor Vehicles.

Despite being charged with a serious crime, Bao is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

This case serves as another stark reminder of the lengths some will go to defraud the system, putting public safety at risk in the process.