Queens Man Charged with Impersonating Federal Agent in Visa Fraud Scheme, Faces Up to 43 Years

A Queens man is now facing serious time after his arrest for a visa fraud scheme where he impersonated a federal agent, an indictment unsealed in the federal court in Brooklyn revealed. Tommy Aijie Da Silva Weng, also known as “Tommy Weng Da Silva” and “Jacky,” has been charged with wire fraud, mail fraud, and impersonating a federal law enforcement officer.

According to a release from the United States Attorney's Office, Weng was taken into custody today and is expected to have his day in court soon before United States Magistrate Judge Lara K. Eshkenazi, this indictment comes after allegations surfaced that Weng conned a victim by falsely claiming he could help her obtain a green card through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program, a scam that reportedly lasted for nearly eight years and cost the victim half a million dollars.

United States Attorney John J. Durham, called out the accused for his alleged impersonation, stating "As alleged, Weng falsely represented himself as a member of federal law enforcement to gain the trust of an unsuspecting victim," he continued by underscoring the breach of trust involved, “The defendant preyed on the victim’s desire to become a United States citizen and pursue the American dream, then stole not only that dream, but also hundreds of thousands of dollars.  Today, real law enforcement agents put the handcuffs on this fraudster and he will now have to answer for his crimes.” The FBI's Acting Assistant Director in Charge Leslie Backschies echoed the sentiment, indicating that Weng's scheme involved "flashy props and empty assurances," while exploiting his victim’s trust in what should be a respected authority, as detailed by the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Federal agents allege that Weng kick-started his ruse back in April 2016, fostering illusions of authority by displaying a law enforcement badge, distributing business cards from the “Federal Officers Police Association,” and driving a red Hummer with an “ICE” vanity plate; Weng told Jane Doe—that he was transferring to a new role with INTERPOL in Italy, as part of his deception, thus exploiting the victim’s trust and eagerness to secure a lawful status in the U.S, as mentioned by the same press release.

If the court finds him guilty, Weng could face up to 43 years in prison for the crimes outlined in the indictment, which, as per legal convention, are merely allegations until proven. The case is now in the hands of the Office's General Crimes Section with Assistant United States Attorneys Nadia E. Moore and Daniel J. Marcus spearheading the prosecution. The FBI urges anyone with information about Weng's alleged crimes to step forward and contact them at [email protected].