Justice Department Seeks to Denaturalize Convicted Gun Trafficker

Justice Department Files Denaturalization Action Against Ukrainian-Born Man Convicted of Firearms Smuggling and Federal Benefits Fraud

The United States has filed a civil denaturalization action in the Middle District of Florida against Vladimir Volgaev, a native of Ukraine, alleging that he unlawfully procured U.S. citizenship by concealing and misrepresenting his involvement in criminal conduct. According to the Department of Justice’s complaint, Volgaev engaged in a conspiracy to smuggle more than a thousand firearms components out of the United States to foreign markets while also defrauding the government of federal housing benefits.

The Justice Department alleges that beginning in 2011, and continuing for several years, Volgaev orchestrated the clandestine purchase, packaging, and shipment of firearms parts overseas, including to recipients in Ukraine and Italy. This conduct not only violated U.S. export laws but also represented a significant threat to national and international security, given the potential misuse of illegally exported weapons components. The complaint further asserts that Volgaev’s misconduct did not cease upon his naturalization as a U.S. citizen; instead, his activities continued for two years afterward.

Additionally, starting in 2013, Volgaev underreported his income and assets on applications for federal housing benefits. By concealing his true financial status, he received assistance to which he was not entitled, thereby defrauding programs designed to aid individuals in genuine need. His criminal conduct came to light in subsequent federal investigations, and in 2020 he was convicted in federal court for smuggling firearms components and for defrauding a housing program.

Despite these activities, Volgaev submitted an application for naturalization in 2014 and 2015. In that application, the Department of Justice alleges, he deliberately concealed his smuggling operations and fraudulent conduct. He misrepresented his criminal activities, providing false statements under oath to immigration officials. On January 11, 2016, he was naturalized as a U.S. citizen, a benefit the government now seeks to revoke on the grounds that it was illegally obtained.

Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division underscored the importance of holding accountable those who obtain U.S. citizenship by fraud: “This case sends a clear message. The United States provided Volgaev with safety, housing, and citizenship, and he returned those gains with malice, including by defrauding one of the federal agencies that provided him benefits. We will not reward this kind of behavior by allowing such an individual to retain U.S. citizenship that should not have been granted in the first place.”

Denaturalization is a civil remedy available when citizenship has been obtained illegally or through willful misrepresentation of material facts. The process does not impose criminal penalties but strips individuals of the citizenship that was fraudulently procured. If successful, the government’s action would revoke Volgaev’s naturalized status, returning him to lawful permanent resident status or, in some cases, rendering him subject to removal proceedings.

The filing against Volgaev represents the eleventh denaturalization action brought by the Department of Justice since January 20. This reflects the Department’s continued commitment to ensuring the integrity of the naturalization process and protecting the privileges of U.S. citizenship. Officials emphasize that citizenship is one of the nation’s most valuable benefits, and it must be reserved for those who comply with the law and act in good faith.

The case was investigated by the Civil Division’s Office of Immigration Litigation with support from Homeland Security Investigations. Special Agent Felix Romero of HSI provided key assistance in uncovering the details of Volgaev’s firearms smuggling and benefits fraud. The litigation is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Christopher Lyerla and reviewed by John Inkeles of the Office of Immigration Litigation, General Litigation and Appeals Section, Affirmative Litigation Unit.

The government’s complaint underscores several important points. First, firearms smuggling poses grave risks not only to the United States but also to international partners, as weapons components shipped unlawfully can fuel violence, organized crime, and conflict abroad. Second, defrauding federal benefits programs undermines public trust and depletes resources intended for vulnerable populations. Third, the integrity of the U.S. naturalization process depends on full honesty and disclosure; applicants who lie under oath about their activities compromise the system and unjustly gain access to the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

While the complaint details substantial allegations of wrongdoing, it is important to note that the claims at this stage are allegations only. The filing of a complaint does not constitute a finding of liability. Volgaev retains the right to contest the charges in court, and the United States must prove its case before citizenship can be revoked.

Nonetheless, the case highlights the Justice Department’s determination to enforce accountability in naturalization cases. Over the past several years, the Department has increasingly relied on denaturalization proceedings as a tool to address cases where individuals secured citizenship through lies, fraud, or concealment of disqualifying criminal conduct. These actions serve both as a deterrent and as a mechanism to safeguard the integrity of the citizenship process.

Volgaev’s case illustrates the intersection of criminal activity, fraud, and immigration law. By simultaneously engaging in smuggling operations and defrauding federal programs, while concealing these actions during his citizenship application, he allegedly violated the trust placed in him by the United States government. Citizenship obtained through deception undermines the value of lawful naturalization for millions of immigrants who follow the rules and contribute positively to American society.

The Justice Department has reiterated that it will continue to pursue cases like this one to protect the nation’s security, ensure the fair administration of public programs, and preserve the sanctity of U.S. citizenship. Denaturalization actions, though relatively rare compared to the total number of naturalizations each year, remain a critical enforcement mechanism in cases of fraud, serious criminal conduct, or national security concerns.

As the case proceeds, the federal court will evaluate the evidence and determine whether Volgaev’s citizenship should be revoked. For now, the complaint represents the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring that those who acquire the privileges of citizenship do so honestly, and protecting the nation from individuals who exploit its protections while violating its laws.

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