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Columbus Man Gets Year for Passport Scam
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Kristian G. Afana, also known as Leonard M. Ovono, 36, of Columbus, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced for running a brazen fake passport operation. The sentence, handed down by Senior U.S. District Judge James L. Graham, amounts to 12 months and one day behind bars.
U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman for the Southern District of Ohio, along with the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, revealed the details of Afana’s scheme. The operation involved recruiting individuals to submit false U.S. passport applications, utilizing photographs of people unknown to the applicants. Afana wasn’t just the mastermind; he actively drove these individuals to multiple post offices throughout Columbus to carry out the fraud.
Court documents detail a calculated effort: Afana created nine fraudulent applications, successfully resulting in the issuance of five fake U.S. passports. This wasn’t a one-off attempt; it was a sustained criminal enterprise designed to exploit the system and potentially facilitate further illegal activity. The full scope of what those passports were intended for remains under investigation.
Adding another layer to the case, Afana is a naturalized United States citizen originally from Gabon. This detail is significant, raising questions about how he was able to exploit the passport system while already being a citizen. Federal investigators are likely examining potential connections to larger criminal networks.
Afana pleaded guilty on August 31st to one count of conspiracy to make false statements on United States passport applications and one count of aiding and abetting in the making of a false statement on a United States passport application. The guilty plea secured a conviction, but it doesn’t erase the damage caused by his actions.
U.S. Attorney Glassman praised the collaborative effort of the Diplomatic Security Service and Assistant United States Attorney David J. Bosley, who prosecuted the case. This conviction serves as a warning: those who attempt to undermine the integrity of U.S. travel documents will face serious federal consequences. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case for any further developments.
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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