Earlier today, federal court proceedings in Brooklyn revealed charges against Tommy Aijie Da Silva Weng, also known as "Tommy Weng Da Silva" and "Jacky." The indictment accuses him of wire fraud, mail fraud, and impersonating a federal law enforcement officer. Weng allegedly deceived an individual by claiming he could help her obtain a green card through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program. His arrest occurred this morning, and he is set to be arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Lara K. Eshkenazi.
The announcement of Weng's arrest and charges came from John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Leslie Backschies, Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's New York Field Office.
"As alleged, Weng falsely represented himself as a member of federal law enforcement to gain the trust of an unsuspecting victim," stated United States Attorney Durham. "The defendant preyed on the victim’s desire to become a United States citizen and pursue the American dream, then stole not only that dream but also hundreds of thousands of dollars. Today, real law enforcement agents put the handcuffs on this fraudster and he will now have to answer for his crimes."
Leslie Backschies added, "For nearly eight years, Tommy Weng allegedly curated a false persona of a federal law enforcement officer with flashy props and empty assurances of guaranteed lawful status to swindle a vulnerable victim of hundreds of thousands of dollars. This alleged imposter twisted a respected profession into an elaborate scheme while violating the public’s trust in law enforcement. The FBI will continue to apprehend any individual who exploits an authoritative position to garner illicit profits."
Court documents indicate that Weng began his fraudulent activities in April 2016 when he convinced Jane Doe that he was a federal agent capable of expediting her green card application through the EB-5 Program if she invested $500,000 with him. He reportedly used props like a badge and business card from the “Federal Officers Police Association” bearing his name to support his claims. On another occasion, Weng claimed employment with the Department of Homeland Security and an impending transfer to INTERPOL in Italy. He drove a red Hummer with a license plate referencing Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Jane Doe provided $500,000 based on these representations. However, instead of investing or submitting her visa application, Weng allegedly kept the money while delaying explanations over approximately eight years.
Weng faces allegations outlined in an indictment; however, he remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty. If convicted on all counts, he could face up to 43 years in prison.
Individuals with information about crimes committed by Weng are encouraged to contact the FBI at NY_WengTips@fbi.gov.
The prosecution is being managed by Assistant United States Attorneys Nadia E. Moore and Daniel J. Marcus from the General Crimes Section.