Former CT Woman Guilty of War Crimes Fraud for US Citizenship

URGENT UPDATE: A former Connecticut resident, Nada Radovan Tomanic, has pleaded guilty to fabricating her past involvement in war crimes to secure her U.S. citizenship. This significant development occurred on Monday in federal court in Bridgeport, Connecticut, as confirmed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.

Tomanic, 53, now residing in West Virginia, admitted to lying about her service with the Zulfikar Special Unit of the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the 1990s conflict. She faces severe consequences, with sentencing set for February 3, where she could receive up to 10 years in prison.

Federal officials revealed that Tomanic participated in the “physical and psychological abuse” of Bosnian Serb civilians. In her 2012 naturalization application, she falsely denied any involvement in detention scenarios, claiming no criminal record related to serious bodily harm.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti stated, “The defendant obtained the privileges of U.S. citizenship through lies and deceit, concealing the violent crimes she committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina.” This case highlights the government’s commitment to maintaining integrity in the immigration process.

During her interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer, Tomanic again misrepresented her past, emphasizing the egregious nature of her actions. U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan condemned her behavior, stating, “Covering up past human rights abuses to attain U.S. citizenship is an egregious offense.”

The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security are actively working to prevent such abuses in the immigration system. Special Agent in Charge P.J. O’Brien stressed that Tomanic’s fraudulent actions undermine the naturalization process for legitimate applicants.

This case is part of a broader effort by U.S. authorities to address immigration fraud, especially when linked to serious human rights violations. The implications of Tomanic’s guilty plea resonate deeply, as they raise critical questions about the vetting processes for citizenship and the protection of vulnerable populations affected by such abuses.

As this situation develops, attention will remain on the sentencing outcome and potential further legal actions against individuals exploiting the citizenship process. The commitment to justice and accountability remains a priority for U.S. law enforcement in safeguarding the integrity of the immigration system.