Indian National Charged with Making False Claim of U.S. Citizenship to Vote in 2024 Election

A federal grand jury in Minnesota charged Mukeshkumar Somabhai Chaudhari, an Indian national, with two counts of knowingly falsifying U.S. citizenship to vote in the November 5, 2024 general election. According to the indictment, Chaudhari signed a Minnesota voter signature certificate on or about Election Day, swearing he was a U.S. citizen despite not being one. The charges allege he made the false statement intentionally to cast a ballot in the general election. Prosecutors assert the case underscores the Justice Department’s commitment to protecting election integrity by holding individuals accountable for fraudulent voting claims.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon emphasized the seriousness of false citizenship claims, stating the right to vote is a sacred privilege reserved for American citizens. The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division highlighted that election integrity depends on ensuring only eligible citizens participate. Chaudhari faces charges under federal statutes including 52 U.S.C. § 21144(b) and 18 U.S.C. § 1015(f), which criminalize false voting and citizenship claims. If convicted, he could receive up to five years in prison on each count.

The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations with support from the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office in Minnesota. Federal prosecutors Flavio Abreu and William Rubens from the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are handling the case. The announcement follows the Justice Department’s broader efforts to monitor polling sites and enforce election laws nationwide. An indictment is not a conviction, and Chaudhari is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case reflects ongoing federal oversight of election procedures to prevent fraud and ensure transparency. The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney’s Offices continue to coordinate on election integrity measures, including monitoring polling locations in multiple states. This indictment aligns with the department’s stated priority of safeguarding the electoral process against illegal interference or misconduct.