A former senior U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) official and an alleged accomplice have been arrested over a bribery scheme involving immigration and citizenship applications.
Federal prosecutors identified the former USCIS official as Lukman Owolabi Ganiyu, who served as a Senior Immigration Services Officer in Dallas. His alleged accomplice was identified as Adeniyi Akeem Somoye.
Both men were arrested on September 2 and charged with conspiracy to receive illegal gratuities by a public official.
USCIS Official Allegedly Manipulated Applications
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, Ganiyu and Somoye allegedly communicated extensively through WhatsApp between December 2019 and March 2026.
Prosecutors allege that Ganiyu exploited his position within USCIS to manipulate immigration applications in exchange for payments.
He allegedly bypassed standard procedures, including criminal background checks, interviews and supervisory reviews, to accelerate applications submitted by people involved in the scheme.
Court documents reportedly show that Ganiyu gained access to applications at USCIS field offices in Minneapolis, Charlotte and Houston.
He allegedly approved applications himself without the knowledge or authorization of local supervisors.
Prosecutors also allege that Ganiyu expedited Somoye’s citizenship application. He reportedly approved permanent residency applications for Somoye’s wife and child before Somoye himself received citizenship.
Nearly $1 Million in Alleged Bribes
Investigators allege that Ganiyu received approximately $671,438 through Zelle and Cash App.
Another $287,830 was deposited in cash, allegedly to conceal the source of the money.
Together, the amounts total approximately $959,268, forming the basis of the reported $960,000 bribery scheme.
According to court documents, Somoye allegedly processed around $1.7 million in transactions connected to the scheme and received a portion of the money as a bribe.
Most of the allegedly affected applications reportedly involved applicants from African countries.
Investigation Began After USCIS Tip
The investigation began after USCIS received a tip in May 2025 regarding suspected misconduct.
Ganiyu remained in his position until March 2026, when he resigned, reportedly citing personal reasons.
Prosecutors now allege that he used his official authority to bypass safeguards designed to ensure that immigration and citizenship applications undergo proper review.
The case highlights concerns about corruption and abuse of authority within the US immigration system, particularly where officials have access to sensitive application and approval processes.
If convicted, Ganiyu and Somoye each face up to five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The allegations remain subject to the federal court process, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
