A U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer and a former university administrator have been charged in a bribery scheme involving special entry treatment at JFK Airport. Kevin Seto, the CBP Officer, and Hiu Kit David Chong, the ex-university administrator, are accused of conspiring in creating loopholes for foreign nationals and others entering the U.S. In a statement obtained by SFist, U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton emphasized the breach of trust and public duty stating, "New Yorkers trust and rely on the integrity of our U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers. As alleged, Kevin Seto breached that trust and jeopardized the safety of our borders by accepting bribes and gratuities," according to a complaint unsealed by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of New York.
Seto, who was stationed at JFK International Airport, along with former ICE officer Henry Yau, are said to have accepted bribes from 2018 to 2024. The bribes reportedly included providing confidential law enforcement and immigration information from secure databases, Clayton added. According to the unsealed complaint, Chong was actively involved in paying bribes to Seto and Yau in exchange for intel and streamlined entry for individuals at JFK. Chong previously worked at a private research university in Southern California, an institution that was not, however, implicated in the scheme.
Among the wrongdoings, Seto and Yau are said to have divulged confidential details about a criminal investigation concerning Chong himself. "Seto’s alleged participation exposed sensitive information to unauthorized recipients and leveraged his access to bypass travel regulations," said Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the FBI. The FBI has taken a hard stance against such abuse of authority, indicating no tolerance for those prioritizing personal gain over national security, Raia clarified.
The benefits exchanged for these illegal services were not insignificant: luxurious accommodations, cash, and premium liquor. Seto also allegedly expedited entries to the U.S. for some, allowing for dodging secondary inspections and avoidance of duty payments on goods. Seto and Chong, aged 38 and 41 respectively, are facing several charges including bribery and identity theft, and could serve multiple years in prison. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office's announcement, any sentencing is at the discretion of the judge, and the defendants are presently presumed innocent until proven otherwise.
The investigation has been applauded by U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for its thoroughness; the same has been complemented by the collaborative assistance from CBP's Office of Professional Responsibility and the DHS Office of Inspector General. With Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew K. Chan, James Ligtenberg, and Ni Qian at the helm of the prosecution.
