Ex-U.S. Embassy Worker To Baku Accused Of Stealing Thousands From State Department

Washington D.C./08.03.23/Turan:   A former employee of the United States Embassy in Baku, has reportedly paid the United States $128,000 to resolve allegations that he stole money from the State Department while employed at the Embassy, TURAN's Washington correspondent reports citing a U.S. Attorney's Office release.

Azerbaijan native Rafiq Goyushov was employed by the State Department at the Baku Embassy for approximately 20 years. During that time, he's accused of sending fraudulent payments to another Azerbainani native, Azer Samedov, claiming the money was for building operations and park expenses for multiple residential units leased by Embassy Baku. "In reality, there was no valid contract between the State Department and Samedov," reads the Attorney Office release.

“Due to the persistent effort of our special agents, Embassy Baku’s Regional Security Office and DOJ, a former locally employed staff member of Embassy Baku was held accountable for his nefarious actions. This is a clear demonstration of how the State Department’s OIG will not be deterred by the complexities involved with holding fraudsters accountable internationally,” stated Elisabeth Kaminsky, Special Agent in Charge, Department of State, Office of Inspector General.

The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina and the State Department's Office of Inspector General.

Alex Raufoglu