Former Consular Officer in Prague Convicted of Visa Fraud

Press Statement
U.S. Department of State
Richard Boucher, Spokesman
Washington, DC
June 24, 2003

Former Foreign Service Officer Sentenced in Visa Fraud Case

Alexander J. Meerovich, a former Department of State Foreign Service officer, was sentenced today to 24 months in prison and fined $5,000 in the U.S. Federal District Court in Washington, DC. His sentence will be followed by a two-year term of supervised release.

Mr. Meerovich admitted to issuing at least 85 visas illegally while serving as
a consular officer at the U.S. Embassy in Prague from August 1999 to July 2002. He pled guilty to one count of visa fraud on February 6, 2003.

The investigation of Mr. Meerovich s illegal activities was conducted by the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, which received valuable
assistance and support from the Bureau of Consular Affairs, the U.S. embassy in Prague, the Department of Justice and the Czech Police.

The Department of State is resolute in its determination to protect the integrity of the U.S. visa. We constantly review visa issuance procedures for
improvements and safeguards at embassies and consulates worldwide. We will continue to investigate all allegations of visa fraud vigorously and seek to prosecute and punish those people involved to the fullest extent of the law.

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Released on June 24, 2003