Pittsburgh Man Charged with Fraud and Misuse of Visas
A Middle Eastern man, who has been residing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted on charges of fraud and misuse of visas, and aggravated identity theft. According to the indictment, Mahmoud Almasry, 44, also known as Mohammad Jiham, used the identity of another person to gain entry into the United States in 2016 and continued to use that person’s name for the next decade.
The indictment, which includes six counts, alleges that Almasry used various forms of identification of the other person, who was already deceased at the time Almasry assumed his identity, to enter the United States. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 25 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that aims to eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations, combat illegal immigration, and protect communities from violent crime. Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services conducted the investigation leading to the indictment. An indictment is an accusation, and Almasry is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The investigation into Almasry’s activities revealed a complex scheme of identity theft and visa misuse. Almasry’s alleged actions have serious consequences, including the potential for lengthy prison time and significant fines. The case highlights the importance of immigration enforcement and the need for vigilance in protecting against identity theft.
Defendant: Mahmoud Almasry, aka Mohammad Jiham
Criminal Charges: Fraud and Misuse of Visas, Aggravated Identity Theft
City and State: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Exact Date: Not specified in the indictment
Sentence or Outcome: Up to 25 years in prison and $250,000 fine
Dollar Amounts: Up to $250,000 fine
Source: United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania
Related Federal Cases
- Laquanta Grant, Tax Fraud and Identity Theft, Alabama 2010 · Washington
- Christopher Furman, Wire Fraud and Money Laundering, Pennsylvania 2009 · California
- Emily Wilson, Investment Adviser Fraud, Pennsylvania, 2023 · Georgia
- Irina Segal, Medicare Fraud, Philadelphia PA, 2023 · California
- Nicole Hilstolsky Sentenced for Embezzlement, Pennsylvania, 2018 · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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