South African National Charged for Faking US Citizenship

Anchorage, Alaska – In a shocking case of deceit, a federal grand jury in Alaska has returned an indictment charging a South African national with unlawfully procuring naturalization in the United States.

Brian Smith, 52, a South African national, allegedly made false statements in connection to his naturalization application between June and September 2019. Court documents reveal that Smith falsely responded to questions asking whether he had been involved in killing, badly hurting or sexually assaulting someone and if he had ever committed, assisted in committing or attempted to commit a crime he was not arrested for.

According to the indictment, Smith answered “No” to all these questions, when at the time of the application, he had committed related crimes, including two murders that involved torture and sexual assaults. Smith was convicted of these crimes in February 2024 in the Superior Court for the State of Alaska.

Smith is charged with one count of unlawful procurement of naturalization in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1425(a) and one count of unlawful procurement of naturalization by an ineligible person in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1425(b). The defendant will make his initial court appearance on a later date before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, he faces the revocation of his certificate of naturalization.

U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska and Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in the Pacific Northwest Region, made the announcement. HSI Pacific Northwest Region is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody Tirpak is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The case highlights the gravity of immigration crimes and the importance of thorough background checks. As the investigation continues, the public is left to wonder how Smith was able to deceive the system and obtain US citizenship.

As the trial unfolds, one thing is clear: Smith’s actions have put his citizenship and freedom in jeopardy. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and bring you updates as more information becomes available.