The U.S. Department of Justice announced on Wednesday that it has filed charges against 10 foreign nationals accused of illegally registering to vote and casting ballots in Minnesota elections. Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the individuals, who are lawful permanent residents, falsely claimed U.S. citizenship to participate in the 2022 midterm elections, the 2024 general elections, and several primary elections held earlier this year.

The defendants come from a range of countries, including Brazil, Ghana, Liberia, Lithuania, Germany, Bosnia, Canada, and South Africa. Among those charged are Liberian nationals Bhator Konah Bryant, 61; Alan Barbu Kargbo, 48; and Chris Adam Pettiquoi, 43; Lithuanian national Edvile Vaidoto Edmunds, 59; Ghanaian national Joshua Frederick Kofi Edzie, 63; German national Paul Kras, 78; Bosnian national Fadil Rasim Ozegovic, 58; Brazilian national Aparecido Donizetti Padovan, 62; Canadian national Christian Liam Schenk, 47; and South African national Hester Sophia Weihmann, 69.

The charges include both illegal voting and falsely claiming citizenship to register. Specifically, Edmunds and Kras each face one count of voting by an alien, which carries a maximum penalty of up to one year in prison. Bryant is charged with one count of falsely claiming citizenship and could be sentenced to as long as five years. The remaining defendants have been charged with both offenses.

Attorney General Blanche emphasized the importance of protecting the integrity of U.S. elections, stating that voter fraud undermines public confidence in the democratic process. He said the Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that only eligible American citizens cast ballots in elections to maintain that trust.

Minnesota officials and federal authorities are continuing to investigate the matter. The case highlights ongoing concerns about voter eligibility and election security ahead of upcoming election cycles. No trial dates have been announced for the defendants at this time.