FORMER USCIS CONTRACTOR, OF NIGERIAN DESCENT, CHARGED WITH THEFT OF GOVERNMENT PROPERTY!

Federal authorities have charged a former USCIS contractor, Bankole Olaniyi Akinfe, after he was allegedly caught removing computer components from USCIS laptops at the agency’s headquarters.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland announced that Bankole Olaniyi Akinfe, 49, of Laurel, Maryland, has been charged by criminal complaint with theft of government property and has made his initial appearance in federal court.

WHAT FEDERAL AUTHORITIES ALLEGE:

• Worked at USCIS Headquarters: According to the criminal complaint, Akinfe had been employed as a contractor at the USCIS Information Technology Customer Support Center beginning in December 2025.

• Computer components allegedly removed: On August 27, 2026, Akinfe was allegedly observed removing at least 10 Random-Access Memory (RAM) modules from USCIS laptops without authorization.

• Allegedly taken off USCIS premises: Authorities allege he placed the RAM modules in his pocket and removed them from the premises.

• Federal felony charge: Akinfe has been charged with theft of government property.

• Property allegedly worth more than $1,000: According to the Justice Department, the total value of the allegedly stolen government property exceeds $1,000.

• Up to 10 years if convicted: The charged offense carries a maximum potential sentence of 10 years in federal prison, although DOJ notes that actual federal sentences are determined by the court after considering the Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

• DHS watchdog involved: The case involves the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG), whose work on the investigation was acknowledged by the U.S. Attorney.

IMPORTANT CONTEXT:

The allegations concern theft of USCIS government property by an IT contractor. The attached DOJ announcement does not state that immigration applications, applicants’ files, immigration benefits, or USCIS case decisions were compromised.

Accordingly, immigrants should not assume that their pending USCIS cases or personal information were affected based solely on this announcement.

THE BOTTOM LINE:
The Justice Department emphasizes that a criminal complaint is an allegation, not a finding of guilt, and Akinfe is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

For the news source, please click the link https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/pr/former-uscis-contractor-faces-charge-theft-government-property

The ViServe Immigration Emergency Alert: Navigate. Prepare. Succeed.
This newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. Criminal charges are allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.