USCIS Officer Arrested in $960K Bribery Scheme

Lukman Owolabi Ganiyu, a former officer with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), was arrested on September 2, 2026, for allegedly participating in a bribery scheme that involved accepting payments to fast-track immigration applications, including green cards and U.S. citizenship.

Ganiyu, along with co-conspirator Adeniyi Akeem Somoye, is accused of running this corruption scheme from December 2019 through March 2026. Prosecutors allege Ganiyu used his position to approve applications outside normal procedures, bypassing essential safeguards such as interviews and background checks.

Investigators identified approximately $287,830 in unexplained cash deposits into Ganiyu's accounts and about $671,438 in payments through services like Zelle and Cash App. Ganiyu earned around $407,838 in salary from USCIS between 2020 and 2025 and reported no other employment.

The investigation began in May 2025 after allegations surfaced regarding Ganiyu's processing of certain applicants outside established procedures. Ganiyu joined USCIS in November 2018 and was promoted to Senior Immigration Services Officer in April 2024, resigning on March 21, 2026.