Alleged ex-Liberian rebel charged with US visa fraud
By BBC Africa
Published
1 min read
The rebel group is accused of "employing tactics of unimaginable brutality, including the recruitment of child soldiers”
US authorities have arrested and charged a Liberian man alleged to have served as a general in a Liberian rebel group involved in brutal wars decades ago.
Laye Sekou Camara, 43, who was also known as the “Dragon Master”, is accused of immigration fraud, according to a statement by the US Department of Justice.
He is alleged to have falsely indicated that he had never been a member any insurgent group, among other misrepresentations, while applying for a visa in 2011 and 2012.
“As alleged in the indictment, this defendant attempted to evade accountability for his horrific involvement in Liberia’s brutal civil wars by fraudulently obtaining US immigration documents,” said attorney Jennifer Williams in the statement.
Mr Camara is alleged to have served as a high-ranking general for the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy group in the country’s 1999-2003 civil wars.
The rebel group is accused of "employing tactics of unimaginable brutality, including the recruitment of child soldiers”.
It fought unsuccessfully to overthrow the government of Charles Taylor, who had been elected president in 1997.
Mr Camara has been assigned a public defender. He has not commented on the charges facing him.
If convicted, Mr Camara faces a maximum possible sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 (£200,000) fine.
