Man arrested for immigration scam at Landmark Plaza

Kamara

Fairfax County police have arrested man who approached women at Landmark Plaza and promised to help them obtain citizenship and provide immigration assistance for their relatives abroad.

Ousseynou Kamara, 41, of 3707 Pogonia Court, Hyattsville, Md., was charged with six felony counts of obtaining money by false pretenses, two counts of forgery, and identity theft. He was transported to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.

According to the Mason District Police Station, the suspect had allegedly approached two women in the parking lot of the Ross store in October 2011 and told them he was affiliated with the World Bank and could grant citizenship. He offered to fly one victim’s siblings to the United States from Africa for $10,000.

The two met at that location throughout the year, and the victim handed over cash on several occasions. However, the “promised” services were never rendered. The suspect allegedly offered to purchase a green card for the other victim.

Police were not contacted until May 13, 2012, when they received a complaint of a civil dispute at Landmark Plaza around 10:30 p.m. The two women were confronting the suspect in the parking lot that evening and were demanding their money back.

The police believe the suspect may have tried the same scam in other instances, but no other victims have come forward. They encourage anyone who might  have been approached in a similar scenario to contact the police, 703/691-2131 or Crime Solvers, 866/411-TIPS/8477.