Indian and Afghan Nationals Charged with Voter Fraud

On October 30, 2026, Pooja Pawse, age 31, of Lake Placid, New York, and Mobin Tora Kheil, age 33, of Troy, New York, appeared on separate complaints charging voting by an alien.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Anthony Patrone, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.

The complaint against Pawse, an Indian national, alleges that she voted in the 2024 General Election while knowing that she was not a United States citizen. The complaint against Tora Kheil, an Afghan national, alleges that he voted in the 2024 General Election while knowing that he was not a United States citizen. Both defendants are legal permanent residents of the United States.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sarcone said: "These cases once again demonstrate my office's relentless resolve in rooting out and prosecuting illegal voting in all of its forms. I commend HSI for its thorough investigation in these matters."

"Free and fair elections depend on accountability, and violations that threaten their integrity will be investigated," said HSI Buffalo Special Agent in Charge Anthony J. Patrone. "New Yorkers deserve confidence that the systems shaping their communities are secure, transparent, and lawful. Together with our law enforcement partners, HSI will ensure those accused face the judicial process."

The charges in the complaints are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

HSI is investigating the cases. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard Belliss and Benjamin Loefke are prosecuting these cases.