Vyacheslav Manokhin, a Russian translator of documents at the UN in New York, and Vladimir Derevianko, used UN letterhead to bring foreigners into the United States for nonexistent conferences. Also arrested, Kamiljan Tursunov, a citizen of Uzbekistan, accused of paying $US15,000 ($NZ19,990) for a fraudulent visa, faces conspiracy and fraud charges.

Tursunov already had been in custody for failing to appear at an immigration proceeding.

The scheme began in 2005 and was able to bring in nine out of 14 people who had falsified letters written on their behalf, authorities allege in a 32-page criminal complaint.

The letters were signed by fictitious UN officials Leonardo Brackett and Greg Smith, the complaint said.

Manokhin used his position at the United Nations to make it appear as though the world body supported visa applications for certain foreigners so they could attend UN meetings in New York. But the meetings either did not exist or those invited had no intention attending, the statement said.

The United Nations informed US authorities on July 27 that it had waived Manokhin's diplomatic immunity, associate spokesman Farhan Haq said. (stuff.com.nz)

ast the United Nations is cooperating and these guys are not in business any more. Monsters and Critics adds, " If convicted, Manokhin and Tursunov could get a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, while Derevianko could get up to 10 years."

Others:

Jack's News Watch

The UN is scam central. Here's the next oil-for-food bonanza, Common Sense and Wonder

Introducing Duncan Hunter, at Can We Be Conservative Again?

US Bridge Safety & Illegal Aliens, Bear Creek Ledger

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