Gold Miner Arrested for Allegedly Attempting to Travel to US with Fake Visa

Gold Miner Arrested for Allegedly Attempting to Travel to US with Fake Visa

Gold Miner Arrested for Allegedly Attempting to Travel to US with Fake Visa

A gold miner, identified as Lyndon Forbes Austin, found himself in police custody after allegedly attempting to leave Guyana for the United States using a fake American visa. The incident occurred on Sunday at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in Georgetown, where Austin was intercepted while attempting to board an American Airlines flight to Miami.

According to reports, Austin, a 58-year-old resident of 54 Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara, presented his passport to an American Airlines staff member during check-in. However, upon inspection, it was discovered that his passport lacked a valid US visa. When questioned about the absence of a visa, Austin reportedly displayed a visa image on his phone, purportedly showing his authorization to enter the United States.

Subsequently, airport staff identified discrepancies in the presented visa, leading them to suspect its authenticity. Austin was promptly informed that he would not be allowed to board the flight and was handed over to the police for further investigation.

In his statement to authorities, Austin claimed that he met an individual online last November, who identified herself as Nancy Jessica and purportedly resided in the US. Allegedly, the individual, whom he communicated with via Messenger, extended an invitation for him to visit the United States and assured him of acquiring the necessary visa.

Austin recounted that “Jessica” provided him with what appeared to be an American visa on his mobile phone, bearing his personal details along with information about a Miami-bound ticket. He asserted that he never made any payment for the visa but admitted to sending a US$600 gift card to “Jessica” during their interaction.

The case underscores the dangers of online interactions and the prevalence of fraudulent schemes targeting unsuspecting individuals. Investigations into the matter are ongoing as authorities seek to determine the extent of Austin’s involvement and identify any potential accomplices.

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