BUFFALO, NY (WNY News Now) – A Chinese national studying at the State University of New York at Buffalo (U.B.) has been arrested and charged with visa fraud after allegedly concealing vital information on his student visa application.
U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross revealed today that Jiaxuemo Zhang a 28-year-old resident of Amherst, NY, has been apprehended and charged with visa fraud, potentially facing up to 10 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, assigned to the case disclosed that Zhang arrived in the United States in 2021, studying at U.B. under an F-1 non-immigrant visa issued by the U.S. Department of State. Zhang applied for the visa at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, China stating his intention to pursue aerospace engineering at U.B. However the application was found to contain significant omissions regarding Zhang’s educational background and research activities in China.
According to the filed complaint Zhang had withheld information about his prior educational pursuits at Beihang University, a known institution involved in research on behalf of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. The failure to disclose these crucial details has led to the charges of visa fraud against Zhang.
Following an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer, Zhang was released on conditions pending further legal proceedings.
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