Ahmad Yusuf Nuristani, Welfare Fraud, California 2019

Afghan Senator Convicted of Welfare Fraud in California

A 71-year-old Afghan senator has been convicted of welfare fraud in California, accused of receiving over $100,000 in government benefits by concealing foreign travel and residency between July 2015 and December 2018.

Ahmad Yusuf Nuristani pleaded guilty in federal court to Theft of Public Money, admitting to concealing and repeatedly lying to the Social Security Administration about his foreign travel and residency. He received $27,492.44 in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments and caused a loss of $73,090.34 to the State of California for health care payments and services.

Nuristani has been a prominent politician in Afghanistan for many decades, serving as the governor of Herat province, chairman of the Independent Election Commission, and senator. Despite receiving SSI payments at his claimed address in El Cajon, California, he was serving in his various roles in Afghanistan.

He faces restitution to the Social Security Administration and the California Department of Health Care Services. The case was brought through the Travel and Residency Enforcement Co-Op (TREC), a pilot project of the Social Security Administration, its Office of Inspector General, the California Department of Health Care Services Investigations Division, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.

Nuristani's plea agreement requires him to make full restitution to the Social Security Administration and the California Department of Health Care Services. He has been a prominent figure in Afghan politics for many years and has served in various roles, including governor of Herat province and chairman of the Independent Election Commission.

The case highlights the importance of protecting government programs from abuse and ensuring that those who receive benefits are eligible to do so. The Travel and Residency Enforcement Co-Op has resulted in 25 federal convictions and obtained over $2 million in restitution since its formation in 2017.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/afghan-senator-convicted-federal-welfare-fraud