BREAKING: A former Connecticut resident has pleaded guilty to lying about her involvement in war crimes to secure U.S. citizenship. Nada Radovan Tomanic, 53, formerly of Hartford and now residing in West Virginia, entered her plea on Monday in federal court located in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
This shocking admission raises serious questions about immigration integrity and public safety. Tomanic, a naturalized citizen originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina, faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and is scheduled for sentencing on February 3.
Federal authorities revealed that Tomanic served with the Zulfikar Special Unit of the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the 1990s armed conflict, where she allegedly participated in the “physical and psychological abuse” of Bosnian Serb civilian prisoners. When applying for citizenship in 2012, she falsely denied any involvement in detention facilities or violent crimes.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti stated, “The defendant obtained the privileges of U.S. citizenship through lies and deceit, concealing the violent crimes she committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina.” This case highlights the ongoing commitment of the Justice Department to hold accountable those who exploit the immigration system.
During her application process, Tomanic lied under oath to a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer, further complicating her case. U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan emphasized the gravity of the situation, calling it an “egregious offense” that undermines trust in the naturalization process.
FBI Special Agent in Charge P.J. O’Brien added, “Individuals who lie on their naturalization documents undermine the process for all who justly apply to be a part of our great nation.” The FBI, alongside partners at the Department of Homeland Security, continues to investigate such serious violations to preserve the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.
This urgent legal development serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding immigration and the importance of transparency. As more details emerge, public interest in the case is likely to grow, prompting discussions about the balance between national security and humanitarian considerations.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
