Former Connecticut Resident Admits Guilt in U.S. Citizenship Fraud, Concealing Bosnian War Crimes
June 14, 2024
New Haven, CT – A former Connecticut resident, Samir Krantic, has pleaded guilty to federal charges of unlawfully procuring U.S. citizenship by intentionally concealing his past involvement in horrific war crimes committed during the 1992-1995 Bosnian War. This significant development underscores the U.S. government's unwavering commitment to upholding the integrity of its immigration system and prosecuting individuals who attempt to hide their atrocious past to gain U.S. citizenship.
Krantic, 54, a resident of Ansonia, Connecticut, admitted to lying on his naturalization application about his military service and his active role in the Bosnian Serb Army during the brutal conflict. Specifically, he confessed to serving as a guard at the notorious Manjača concentration camp, located near Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina. At Manjača and other sites under Bosnian Serb control, Krantic was involved in the systematic persecution, torture, and murder of non-Serb civilians, including Bosniak and Croat detainees. These acts align with documented war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide committed during the Bosnian War. He actively participated in the severe physical and psychological abuse of prisoners, contributing to an environment of terror and suffering that claimed countless lives.
When applying for U.S. citizenship, Krantic deliberately provided false information to U.S. immigration authorities. On his naturalization application (Form N-400) and during subsequent interviews, he falsely denied ever having served in any military unit, participated in any genocide, or been involved in the persecution of any person due to race, religion, nationality, or political opinion. These fraudulent statements were critical to his successful naturalization, allowing him to unlawfully acquire the rights and privileges of a U.S. citizen while his dark past remained hidden. His deception constituted a clear case of immigration fraud and lying to the U.S. government.
The extensive investigation into Krantic's past was a collaborative effort involving several federal agencies dedicated to bringing war criminals to justice. U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Vanessa Roberts Avery, announced the plea, highlighting the Department of Justice's commitment to prosecuting such severe cases. Key contributions came from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate. Krantic pleaded guilty to one count of unlawfully procuring citizenship or naturalization. Under the terms of his plea agreement, he faces a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years and will be subject to denaturalization, meaning his U.S. citizenship will be revoked. His sentencing is currently scheduled for August 7, 2024.
This case serves as a powerful reminder that individuals who commit war crimes and then attempt to evade justice by lying on their immigration applications will be held accountable. The U.S. government remains vigilant in identifying and prosecuting those who seek to exploit its generous immigration system. Such prosecutions not only bring justice to victims of past atrocities but also reinforce the foundational principles of truth and integrity within the U.S. citizenship process. The commitment to bringing war criminals to justice, regardless of how long they have concealed their past, remains a top priority for federal law enforcement and immigration agencies.
