UN Employee Karim Elkorany Charged in Iraq Sex Assault Cover-Up

MANHATTAN, NY – Karim Elkorany, a former communications specialist with the United Nations, is facing federal charges after allegedly drugging and sexually assaulting multiple women while stationed in Iraq. The 40-something Elkorany isn’t just accused of the assaults themselves; he’s also charged with lying to federal investigators attempting to uncover the truth. The FBI arrested Elkorany in New Jersey today, and he’s expected in court this afternoon.

Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss didn’t mince words, stating Elkorany “furtively drugged and sexually assaulted several women.” She added that his subsequent false statements to the FBI “compounded his alleged unconscionable conduct.” Strauss made it clear: Elkorany now faces a potentially lengthy federal prison sentence. The US Attorney’s office is urging anyone with information to contact the FBI immediately.

FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. detailed the origins of the investigation, noting that UN officials initially flagged Elkorany in 2016 for a similar assault in Iraq. “Elkorany’s conduct, as detailed in today’s charges, is abhorrent,” Sweeney said. The FBI took over, uncovering a disturbing pattern of behavior. He emphasized the seriousness of the false statements made to agents, highlighting them as federal offenses in themselves.

According to the indictment, Elkorany worked in international aid and foreign relations since at least 2005. He was a communications specialist for the UN Children’s Fund in Iraq from October 2013 to April 2016, and then as a Communications Specialist for the UN in Iraq from July 2016 to April 2018. The alleged assaults began to surface during his time with the UN, starting with “Victim-1” in November 2016. The indictment paints a horrific picture: Victim-1 was drugged after sharing food and drinks with Elkorany, then rendered unconscious at his apartment. While unconscious, she was allegedly sexually assaulted, including forced oral and anal penetration.

Victim-1 reported the assault to the UN in December 2016, triggering an internal investigation. However, the FBI soon uncovered evidence suggesting this wasn’t an isolated incident. Investigators allege Elkorany engaged in a pattern of drugging and sexually assaulting at least five victims between 2009 and 2016. The MO was chillingly consistent: victims were incapacitated after consuming drinks prepared by Elkorany, then assaulted while unconscious or partially conscious. Some victims awoke to find their clothing removed, with Elkorany allegedly claiming they had engaged in sexual activity.

Elkorany is charged with two counts of making false statements to the FBI. The indictment suggests these were deliberate attempts to cover up his alleged crimes. The case is assigned to District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald, and the FBI continues to investigate. Anyone with information regarding Karim Elkorany or similar incidents is urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or through their online tip line at tips.fbi.gov. This case is a stark reminder that international organizations are not immune to the predation of individuals like Elkorany, and accountability, even years later, is possible.