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Sandra Zongo, Impersonation & Fraud, New York NY, 2017
NEW YORK, NY – A New York woman with a penchant for fabrication and a taste for the high life has been convicted in Manhattan federal court after a nine-day trial. SANDRA ZONGO, also known as Sandra Nelson and Akiwa Gizzel, 47, was found guilty of impersonating a federal official, passing fictitious obligations, wire fraud, and attempting to commit wire fraud. The scheme netted her hundreds of thousands of dollars in goods and services through deceit and brazen lies.
ZONGO, claiming to be the “Deputy Commissioner” of the bogus “Office of the Commissioner” – an alleged “Intergovernmental Organization” with supposed ties to the United Nations – systematically defrauded hotels, restaurants, and other Manhattan vendors. She used fake government purchase orders, certificates of indebtedness, and other fraudulent documents to secure goods and services without paying. The investigation, launched in October 2014 by the U.S. Secret Service, revealed a meticulously crafted illusion designed to exploit the trust associated with federal legitimacy.
The fraud wasn’t limited to businesses. ZONGO even targeted a charity event benefiting injured military veterans, swindling them out of a staggering $150,000. While portraying herself as a high-ranking “Deputy Commissioner of Foreign Affairs,” she simultaneously attempted to secure housing benefits from the Human Resources Administration using falsified documents, including claiming to be an “intern” as part of the ruse. The layers of deception were brazen and calculated, demonstrating a clear intent to exploit both commercial entities and charitable organizations.
“Today, a unanimous jury convicted Sandro Zongo of posing as a federal government employee and using fake documents to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars in goods and services from her victims,” stated U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara. “Claiming she was a Commissioner for a made-up organization with ties to the United Nations, Zongo defrauded hotels, restaurants and other vendors with fake invoices and went as far as defraud a charity for military veterans.” Special Agent in Charge David Beach of the U.S. Secret Service added that the agency prioritizes investigations into criminals who prey on residents and businesses through deceit, especially when it impacts real charities.
ZONGO now faces a potentially lengthy prison sentence. She was convicted of one count of passing fictitious obligations, carrying a maximum of 25 years. Additionally, she faces up to three years for impersonating a federal official, and up to 20 years each for wire fraud and attempted wire fraud. The judge will determine the final sentence, but the maximum potential penalties underscore the severity of the crimes committed. The case was handled by the Office’s General Crime unit, with assistance from the NYPD, Human Resources Administration, USPS-OIG, and USPS Inspection Service.
The U.S. Secret Service, along with its partner agencies, continues to pursue complex financial crimes with significant community impact. This conviction serves as a warning that those who attempt to exploit the system through fraud and impersonation will be held accountable, no matter how elaborate their scheme.”
Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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